Grand Avenue Park’s Pedestrian Bridge Ready Early 2020
So much is happening at the Port of Everett Marina. It's quickly becoming one of the city's best amenities. Thankfully, two works in progress provide better access from the closest neighborhoods: Bayside and Northwest, but both projects have experienced delays.
The beginnings of a bridge. The green spot in the distance is where it'll end // Christopher Bragg
Looming like a minimalist memorial just North of Lombardi's, this concrete tower will house the elevator shaft for a new bridge connecting the marina to Grand Avenue Park at 16th Street. If you prefer to take the stairs, they'll wrap around the outside.
Many renderings of the bridge have been posted at the site so you can see what's coming // Christopher Bragg
The tower has been ready for some time. The components for the steel truss, which will be assembled off site and lowered into place, took longer to manufacture than anticipated. Because the summer 2018 work window was missed, final assembly will occur this summer, and the grand opening will follow in early 2020.
Once the bridge is open, this spot in Grand Avenue Park will be two blocks away from the marina instead of two miles.
Let's pop down to the water! It's right there // Christopher Bragg
Another project nearby won't cut any distance from a trip on foot to the marina, but will make it a lot safer. I wrote to the city years ago about the scary crossing where Alverson meets Marine View Drive at Legion Park, and am excited that a much-needed crosswalk will be there soon.
Orange barrels mark where the crosswalk will be. // Christopher Bragg
New permanent crosswalks are coming to this intersection and the one at 41st and Grand later in 2019, but city staff decided to install a temporary one here to fill the immediate need regardless of delays with the larger project.
While an equipment order delay has set the project back six weeks, the temporary crosswalk should be ready in January. But as with any outdoor project, inclement winter weather may cause further delays.
The walk down to the marina from the park is very scenic, and I'll be much more likely to recommend it to people once it's safer. The bridge will allow people to skip the ugliest and noisiest part of the marina for an easy and fun route. The new waterfront and enhanced access to it are definitely good things happening in Everett.
Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.
