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State Route 169 to be
designated highway of statewide significance
A measure that would
designate State Route 169 a highway of statewide significance passed the
state Senate Tuesday after passing the state House earlier in the month.
House Bill 3266, prime-sponsored by
Rep. Jay Rodne,
R-Snoqualmie, would likely lead to more regional funding for the
roadway.
“This designation is important because it would open the door for
regional funding for improvements along the SR 169 corridor,” said
Rodne. “This is crucial when it comes to prioritization and making this
vital roadway safer and less congested in the future.”
Under the measure, the 25-mile SR 169 corridor from the junction of SR
164 in Enumclaw – north via Black Diamond and Maple Valley and curving
west – ending at Junction of SR 900 in Renton, would be designated a
highway of statewide significance.
“I’m excited this bill is moving to the governor’s desk where I have
every indication she will sign it. I think everyone realizes the
significance of this roadway and what this measure means for it,” said
Rodne. “I’d like to thank both the House and Senate for their efforts
but, most of all, the hard-working officials at the local level who have
led the way to convey just how important this roadway is to our region.”
For a highway to be designated as a highway of statewide significance,
the following criteria must be met: the highway must be a state highway,
a principal arterial that is part of the national highway system and a
rural route serving statewide travel, or an urban route with certain
connectivity or freight volumes.
The legislative session is scheduled to end March 9.
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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