Locals given close-up on SR 532 project
By RICK WOOD Staff Reporter
PHOTO BY RICK WOOD STANWOOD/CAMANO NEWS Attendees packed the Stanwood High School commons last Monday to get a close look at Washington State Department of Transportation SR 532 improvement project plans. Nearly 150 people came out to view project plans and meet the engineers behind the $84 million SR 532 improvement project during an open house last Monday night. Dave Chesson, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) spokesman, said he was glad to see members of the community come out to the event.
"Turnout in Stanwood was typical for an open house right before construction begins, which is good in my book," said Chesson. "There is a fair amount of energy that goes into these events by our staff and the contractors."
Chesson said more than 60 people at the open house signed up for SR 532 e-mail updates.
"We are at about 530 subscribers, which is really good, considering we started sending them out only two weeks ago," he said. "I would like to see another 500 subscribers by the time we start construction in July."
According to Chesson, a reoccur- ring theme emerged from the open house.
"The most widely asked questions had to do with detours and congestion during construction and how drivers can stay informed," said Chesson.
Everyone that has computer access and drives the SR 532 corridor on a regular basis should really be signed up for e-mail updates, he said.
Those who don't have computer access can tune in updates through their AM radios, thanks to a transmitter located in Stanwood that will broadcast information on lane closures, work schedules and other project updates.
"What we hope to emphasize to residents and drivers is that we are committed to keeping them informed about construction activities throughout the duration of the project," said Chesson.
Chesson said he urges those with questions or concerns about the project to call a specially established hotline.
Jackie Starete, of Camano Island, said she came out to the event because she travels SR 532 every day.
"I'm just amazed at the scope of the project," said Starete. "There are so many parts to it — I hadn't seen all of this before."
Stanwood Mayor Dianne White attended the open house and said she, too, was thrilled at the turnout.
"The WSDOT folks at the various stations were knowledgeable and very good at explaining their particular section of the project," said White. "It is my hope that as this project goes forward, and inconveniences people, that the citizens will be patient and realize that the end product is going to enhance our community for decades."
For more information, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/ SR532, call the WSDOT project hotline at 360-631-3887 or tune into the AM radio transmitter at 1520 AM.
