Each project has a set of needs that guides its design. These help WSDOT identify what improvements are essential—and where there may be opportunities to go further based on community feedback.
Three Types of Needs
WSDOT defines project needs in three categories:
- Baseline Needs: The core reasons we are doing the project. These must be addressed to meet safety, operational or legal requirements.
- Complete Streets Needs: These are defined by legislative requirements to provide street access with all users in mind, including pedestrians, bicyclists and public transportation users. Further, the transportation facilities must enable comfortable and convenient access to destinations for all people.
- Contextual Needs: These are informed by the surrounding environment and community. They may be addressed if feasible based on budget, schedule, and alignment with project goals.
WSDOT developed contextual needs using input from the City of Mukilteo, Community Transit, local planning efforts such as the 2017 City of Mukilteo by the Way Plan, and existing conditions.
📣 We want your input on the contextual needs. Your feedback will help us understand what matters most to the community.
Project #1: SR 525 Spur Vicinity to Mukilteo Ferry Terminal – HMA Paving and ADA Compliance – Needs
Baseline and Complete Streets Needs
- Repave SR 525 from milepost 5.72 to 8.47 to restore ride quality and meet WSDOT standards.
- Upgrade curb ramps and sidewalk connections to meet ADA requirements.
- Incorporate Complete Streets elements to improve safety and accessibility for people walking and biking.
Existing Conditions
- Cracked pavement and deteriorating asphalt.
- Non-ADA-compliant curb ramps.
- Missing or poorly marked crosswalks and pedestrian signals.
- Lack of pedestrian and bicycle facilities that meet WSDOT requirements.
Contextual Needs
- Calm traffic and encourage drivers to follow posted speed limits.
- Add safe pedestrian crossings at intersections and mid-block where feasible.
- Build a connected bike lane network within the project area.
- Improve safe routes to school between 76th St SW and 81st Pl SW.
- Improve bike lanes in Midtown Mukilteo, especially between Caymus Ln and 81st St.
- Add bike lanes for higher-speed, long-distance cyclists between Harbour Pl and 92nd St SW.
- Connect the 8600 block of SR 525 to the 92nd St SW Park shared-use path.
Project #2: SR 525 Mukilteo Bridge Replacement – Needs
Baseline and Complete Streets Needs
These must be addressed for the project to succeed:
- Replace the aging bridge to meet modern structural standards and comply with current railroad clearance requirements.
- Raise the adjacent roadway to match the new bridge height.
- Create a Complete Street by improving safety and reducing traffic stress for people walking and biking.
Existing Conditions
- Narrow sidewalks on both sides of the bridge.
- No dedicated bike lanes.
- Poor connectivity to nearby pedestrian facilities and the ferry terminal.
- Limited lighting and visibility for people walking or biking.
Contextual Needs
These community-informed goals may be included where possible:
- Improve walking and biking access between SR 525 (1st Street) and Lighthouse Park.
- Enhance connections between 1st Street and Front Street.
- Provide a more direct route between the Upland Neighborhood and Mukilteo Lane/the waterfront.
- Calm traffic and improve comfort by targeting vehicle speeds of 25 mph or lower.