Construction crews have begun work on a $2.9 million road project that will provide a vital continuous link for drivers between Interstate 5 and SR 9 via 88th Street.

The project includes a full four-lane extension of 88th Street NE from 67th Avenue through the Grace Creek basin east to 74th Drive, explained Kevin Nielsen, Public Works Director.

Additionally, 84th (Getchell Hill Road) will be realigned to form a new intersection with Ingraham and 82nd Avenue near the entrance to Marysville-Getchell High School, now under construction. Ingraham Boulevard and the high school are scheduled to open in September 2010.

"This new multi-lane road connection will allow a safer route between 67th and SR 9, as well as the new high school," Mayor Dennis Kendall said at the groundbreaking ceremony held January 22. "Ultimately, this will also help better move drivers between the freeway and Highway 9, and help alleviate traffic congestion."

The project is funded by $2.2 million from the city's growth management street fund and a $982,737 grant from the state Transportation Improvement Board (TIB).

Other project features include bike lanes, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and a system to channel, treat and detain storm water, said Nielsen. Crews will also realign Grace Creek and install a fish passage culvert, along with wetland rehabilitation and enhancements.

The roadway is named in honor of the USS Ingraham, a guided missile frigate based at Naval Station Everett that the city adopted in April 1999 through the Navy's Adopt-a-Ship program.

Sailors from the USS Ingraham were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony, along with other officials from Naval Station Everett, Marysville City Councilmembers and local residents.