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July 6, 2023
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As you may know, the 12th District boundaries changed last year to include portions of Snohomish and King counties. As the new state Senator representing these areas and a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, making improvements to our state’s transportation system – particularly in our district – is very important to me. I thought it would be helpful to update you on the status of key transportation projects within our district, such as to State Route 18, State Route 522, and US 2. This newsletter provides updates to all three of those projects. I look forward to continuing to advocate and to keep you updated on these priorities in the months and years ahead.
Highway 18 improvements in progress
Key improvements to State Route 18 near North Bend are currently in process. Due to significant statewide use of Interstate 90 and growth in Snoqualmie Valley, a new interchange at I-90 and SR 18 and widening of the highway are under construction. During certain peak driving times, including holidays and weekends, traffic congestion can be a major problem in this area. One phase of the project includes widening two miles of SR 18 from the I-90 interchange to Issaquah/Hobart Road, providing two lanes in each direction. During the 2022 legislative session, another important step was taken to advance statewide transportation priorities, including the state’s passage of the “Move Ahead Washington” plan. One of the main reasons I supported this plan was because it included a significant extension of SR 18 widening. The 2022 plan funds a project that will follow the existing interchange and two-mile widening work by widening an additional five miles of SR 18 from Issaquah/Hobart Road to Deep Creek over the Tiger Mountain Summit. In addition to extending the widening, the project also includes improved traffic signals, new bridges, eliminating fish barriers, and improving areas for wildlife.
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A new interchange at I-90 and SR 18 will improve safety and traffic flow near North Bend. This phase of the project also includes widening two miles of SR 18 to Issaquah/Hobart Road.
 The “Move Ahead Washington” transportation plan includes widening five miles of SR 18 from Issaquah/Hobart Road to Deep Creek over Tiger Mountain. It is estimated to cost $665 million.
SR 522 design and property purchases
 Completing the State Route 522 project is extremely important. The design will widen 522 between Monroe and Maltby and add an interchange at Paradise Lake Road and Maltby Road. Over $30 million has been appropriated to the project so far, including $10 million in the 2022 “Move Ahead Washington” transportation package. Current activities include design, engineering, and right-of-way acquisition. This portion funds $15 million in 2023-2025 and $16 million in 2025-2027. Construction could cost $180 million or more and is not yet funded.
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I am very grateful for the communications that I have had with community members and local leaders about the SR 522 project, including multiple conversations with Monroe’s Mayor Geoffrey Thomas and other city officials. While I am new to the SR 522 history, it has been made very clear to me how important completing this project is to Monroe residents and others in Snohomish County. The state has appropriated over $30 million so far toward this project, including $10 million in the 2022 “Move Ahead Washington” transportation package. The design includes widening SR 522 between Monroe and Maltby and adding an interchange at Paradise Lake Road and Maltby Road. For efficiency and to improve overall traffic flow, the two elements (widening and interchange) are combined as one project. During the 2023 legislative session, we secured $15 million for the SR 522 project for 2023-2025 and $16 million for 2025-2027 to finish design, engineering, and right-of-way acquisition, which includes purchasing properties for the widening and interchange. Once this phase is completed, the project is eligible to advance to its construction phase, which could cost $180 million or more. This portion of the project is not yet funded and will not likely be funded in a regular two-year transportation budget. However, it could be included in the next transportation investment package. These packages are approved approximately every four-to-six years with the most recent package authorized in 2022.
 Since becoming the new state Senator representing Monroe, I have had multiple discussions with City of Monroe officials about the SR 522 Project. It is clear that “Finishing 522” is a top transportation priority. At the State Capitol from left to right: Councilmember Heather Fulcher, Councilmember Tami Kinney, Mayor Geoffrey Thomas, and Councilmember Jason Gamble with me in the Senate chambers.
Supporting Sultan’s Highway 2 proposal
During the 2022 legislative session, I partnered with Highway 2 communities to sponsor Senate Bill 5603, calling for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to conduct a Highway 2 corridor study between Wenatchee and Monroe to improve traffic flow and safety. As a member of the Senate Transportation Committee, my objective was to utilize the bill as a way to raise awareness of the significant congestion and safety challenges along the highway. With the help of Sultan’s Mayor Russell Wiita and others, we made major progress with committee members, successfully emphasizing that Highway 2 challenges are a statewide issue. Following the 2022 legislative session, Sultan officials continued to show strong leadership and collaboration in identifying a viable solution to congestion and safety issues near Sultan.
The city has identified a preferred corridor improvement plan that includes several project components, which will be completed as funding is acquired. Currently, the city is working to secure funding to replace the Wagley Creek Bridge and fish culvert, and also add a two-lane roundabout at Sultan Basin Road and Highway 2. I am in full support of this project to improve this portion of the corridor. During the 2023 session, I sponsored a Transportation Budget request of $5 million to support the design and right-of-way acquisition of the bridge replacement and the development of a roundabout at Sultan Basin Road and Highway 2, but new project funding was scarce.
In addition to direct budget requests, I also support Sultan’s efforts to secure state and federal grants to fund this project. A portion of WSDOT’s safety funds approved in 2015 will be used to develop a roundabout at Old Owen Road. Funding support is also provided by the Puget Sound Regional Council for design and right-of-way work for another roundabout at Main Street. Together, these project components will provide significant relief to the community and to the region. These exciting developments are the result of months of hard work by Sultan officials. I will continue to support their efforts and seek improvements to Highway 2 among my top legislative priorities.
 City of Sultan leaders have identified a preferred corridor improvement plan that includes several project components, which will be completed as funding is acquired. Currently, the city is working to secure funding to replace the Wagley Creek Bridge and fish culvert and add a two-lane roundabout at Sultan Basin Road and Highway 2. The design also includes other elements such as roundabouts at Old Owen Road and at Main Street and expanding the highway to four lanes. Click to view an enlarged version of this Highway 2 proposal near Sultan.
SR 203 improvements near Carnation
State Route 203 between Fall City and Monroe receives a significant amount of traffic, including use by residents outside of our district boundaries. This is a growing issue for communities along this corridor, especially the City of Carnation. Maintaining close communications with residents in North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City, Carnation, Duvall, and Monroe related to improvements to this state route is very important. I have been beginning my discussions with these communities and, in particular, officials near Carnation about how to seek solutions along this corridor and through their community. This route is not only being utilized as an alternative to other routes, leading to traffic and safety challenges in these communities, it is also a key route for freight mobility in Washington state. I look forward to maintaining these conversations over the months and years ahead to seek improvements to the growing and important issue of the State Route 203 corridor.
 State Route 203 between Fall City and Monroe receives a significant amount of traffic and is in need of safety and traffic flow improvements. It is also a key state freight corridor. I look forward to continuing discussions with Carnation officials and WSDOT to identify possible transportation solutions.
Wenatchee bridge funding secured
It sometimes takes several years to achieve results on transportation priorities, but it is possible. After nearly a decade of planning and cooperation at all levels of government, I helped the Wenatchee Valley (in the eastern portion of the 12th District) secure $85 million for their highest-ranked transportation priority, building a second bridge across the Wenatchee River. The project, known as Confluence Parkway, will be funded over the next three transportation budget cycles: $28 million (2023-25), $47 million (2025-27), and $10 million (2027-29). While funding this project was several years in the making, I look forward to continuing to support the current projects in the western portion of the 12th District and to apply what I have learned over the years to assisting your communities with completion of your top transportation priorities.
 This illustration shows Wenatchee’s Confluence Parkway Project, which will soon provide a much-needed second bridge across the Wenatchee River. I was proud to work with local, state, and federal partners to help secure $85 million in state funding toward this project. This bridge is key to the eastern portion of District 12 and an example of how I can help your communities too. I look forward to continuing to work with officials in the western portion of the district to complete your priority transportation projects.
Federal officials visited Wenatchee (eastern portion of District 12) last fall to discuss matching grants received for the Confluence Parkway project, funded by a combination of local, state and federal dollars. This photo shows my conversation with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Senator Maria Cantwell, and local leaders. Not pictured is Congresswoman Kim Schrier who played a key role in securing federal funding to match state funding.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve
My position as State Senator exists to serve you. If you have any questions about transportation projects or other topics, please contact me at senatorbradhawkins.org. Please call our Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000 if you need immediate assistance. Like and follow me on Facebook @SenatorBradHawkins, for my latest updates.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your state senator.
Sincerely,
 Brad Hawkins
State Senator Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District
Website: senatorbradhawkins.org
107 Newhouse Building - P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
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