Skagit - FRANCIS ROAD
Project Number: 1587
From milepost 4.51 to milepost 5.14
RATA Funds: $1,806,120
Legislative District: 40
Status:
Date Approved: 2009
Francis Road is a two lane rural roadway that was originally a gravel driveway to the adjacent farms. After the bridge was completed over Nookachamps Creek, the roadway was extended to connect Clear Lake with Mount Vernon. Over the years the amount of traffic using Francis Road has steadily grown due to the increase of residents living in the area.
Due to the tight curves and the lack of shoulders, Francis Road had a high number of accidents at the curve locations. Given the narrow width, the roadway did not accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, or allowance for stalled, broken down vehicles to move safely off the lane of travel.
The project was combined with Federal and County funded segments to provide an overall improvement of 1.39 miles. The improved roadway provides twelve foot lanes and eight foot shoulders in both direction of travel. The result is an even flow of traffic that provides a safer route for pedestrians, bicyclists, and local farmers who need to move large equipment from time to time. The paved shoulders also allow law enforcement to monitor traffic and cite speeding drivers in a safe manner. Local citizens originally questioned the proposed improvements, fearing the county was creating a hazardous "freeway" condition within this rural countryside. Upon completion of the project however, the county received numerous comments thanking them for the improved design that provides a safer route of travel and preserves the rural charm.
Due to the tight curves and the lack of shoulders, Francis Road had a high number of accidents at the curve locations. Given the narrow width, the roadway did not accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, or allowance for stalled, broken down vehicles to move safely off the lane of travel.
The project was combined with Federal and County funded segments to provide an overall improvement of 1.39 miles. The improved roadway provides twelve foot lanes and eight foot shoulders in both direction of travel. The result is an even flow of traffic that provides a safer route for pedestrians, bicyclists, and local farmers who need to move large equipment from time to time. The paved shoulders also allow law enforcement to monitor traffic and cite speeding drivers in a safe manner. Local citizens originally questioned the proposed improvements, fearing the county was creating a hazardous "freeway" condition within this rural countryside. Upon completion of the project however, the county received numerous comments thanking them for the improved design that provides a safer route of travel and preserves the rural charm.