Rucker Renewal Bringing Street Closures To Downtown Everett

A heads up if you travel daily down Rucker Avenue in downtown Everett, Washington.

Construction will begin soon on the Rucker Renewal project that will transform five blocks of downtown Everett into a more pedestrian friendly corridor. Phased full block closures will be necessary, and the City is working with area businesses to minimize impacts and plan for traffic detours, signage and pedestrian access.

In the initial phase of the project, Rucker Ave. between Hewitt and Everett Avenues, and Hoyt Ave. between Pacific Ave. and Wall St. will be closed, and traffic will be routed to West Marine View Drive via Everett and Pacific Avenues. The affected blocks will always be open to pedestrians with a fenced and lighted (for nighttime) asphalt path that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.

“We know how important it is for Everett’s downtown businesses to have parking available for their customers, and ensuring adequate parking is a high priority of the City,” said Tom Hood, Rucker streetscape project manager. “Project phasing, in our minds, is all about the parking, and we are doing everything we can to facilitate access during the project.”

The City awarded the contract to Jansen Inc. on May 29. Construction is scheduled to begin Monday, July 8. The project is expected to take about seven months.

More information about the Rucker Renewal project, including project background and benefits, visit everettwa.gov/RuckerRenewal.