Bothell: Six Year Transportation Improvement Program
The Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) functions as Bothell’s primary mechanism for shaping future development by aligning infrastructure capacity with urban growth. As mandated by the Revised Code of Washington, the TIP is more than a simple list of repairs; it is a prerequisite for the federal and state funding necessary to support the city’s expansion. Because projects must be included in the TIP to receive gas tax allocations and grant awards, the document serves as the gatekeeper for the city’s physical evolution. By integrating the TIP with the biennial Capital Facilities Plan, Bothell ensures that transportation infrastructure is not reactive but is instead a proactive foundation for the land-use goals established in the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Future development is most directly influenced by the TIP’s focus on capacity and congestion projects. These initiatives, such as the widening of Bothell Way and Beardslee Boulevard, are specifically designed to increase the volume of traffic intersections can handle as the population grows. By establishing these "Level of Service" requirements, the TIP dictates where new residential and commercial density can sustainably occur. Without the infrastructure improvements outlined in the TIP, the city would be unable to support the increased demands of new development, effectively stalling growth in high-traffic corridors.
The TIP also directs the character of future development by prioritizing multimodal connectivity over traditional road expansion. The inclusion of extensive trail systems, such as the North Creek Trail extension and the Sammamish River Pedestrian Bridge, signals a shift toward transit-oriented and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. This focus is reinforced by the Transportation Demand Management programs in Canyon Park and Downtown, which aim to reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles. By funding bike boxes, sidewalk infill, and Bus Rapid Transit coordination with Sound Transit, the TIP creates a framework for a more compact, walkable urban environment that appeals to modern commercial tenants and residents alike.
Economic stimulation is another key way the TIP influences Bothell’s future. Projects categorized under the "Economic" label, such as Downtown Revitalization and access improvements to the Sound Transit stations, are specifically intended to attract private investment. When the city commits to upgrading the public realm—replacing aerial utilities with underground lines or installing high-quality street lighting and landscaping—it reduces the risk for private developers and encourages the transformation of underutilized parcels. This public-private synergy ensures that the city’s transportation investments act as a catalyst for high-value development in strategic subareas.
Finally, the TIP ensures the long-term viability of development through its Resiliency and Preservation programs. By investing in flood detection, adaptive signal systems, and pavement management, the city protects the infrastructure that serves as the backbone for all private property. This focus on "Condition" and "Resiliency" ensures that as new developments are completed, they are supported by a stable and modern network that can withstand environmental pressures and technological shifts. Ultimately, the TIP acts as the blueprint for Bothell’s future, ensuring that as the city grows, it remains accessible, safe, and economically competitive.