Preliminary SR 520 costs released
Decision makers and the public now have realistic projections of the probable costs for the SR 520 Corridor Program. WSDOT released updated cost information for the corridor program, including three west side options developed through a mediation process, as well as costs for the Eastside Transit and HOV Project , the floating bridge and the pontoon construction site.
The latest cost estimate for the corridor program ranges between $4.526 and $6.672 billion, depending on which west side design option is chosen. These estimates were developed with WSDOT and a team of independent experts using the Cost Estimate Validation Process approach. The estimates consider cost, schedule, risks, opportunities and uncertainties.
For more information about the cost estimates please visit the project Web site .
Take the survey about potential tolling options across Lake Washington
The 520 Tolling Implementation Committee is seeking additional public input about how tolls can help pay for a new 520 bridge between Seattle and Bellevue. The committee hosted three open houses this month in Seattle, Mercer Island and Bellevue to talk with local communities about possible tolling options across Lake Washington (including both SR 520 and I-90).
If you couldn’t make it to one of the open houses you can take the committee’s online survey . Individual survey responses will be completely confidential.
The survey results will be shared with the committee in mid-December. Public comments and survey results will also be included in a report to the Legislature in January 2009, setting the stage for legislative decisions during the 2009 session.
To make sure your involvement counts, we ask that you complete the survey by Nov. 30.
Building a new bridge in Bellevue
The NE 10th Street bridge is taking shape as crews continue to set large girders across I-405 in downtown Bellevue. Crews have set more than half of the 24 girders needed to build the backbone of the bridge. The new bridge will connect downtown Bellevue and the city’s growing hospital district and relieve congestion on NE Eighth Street.
Careful planning by WSDOT project engineers has allowed crews to keep I-405 open during construction of the bridge. However, on weeknights from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and Saturday night from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., traffic may be reduced to one lane in each direction. The reduction is needed so crews can truck in the large girders, hoist them onto the columns that support the bridge, and secure them into place. The Washington State Patrol will slow traffic for up to five minutes two times a night while crews lift the girders onto the columns. Drivers should also note that area ramps may close as early as 9 p.m. during construction.
For more information about the project, details of area ramp closures, and to view pictures and a video of a girder being set, please visit the project Web site .
Heads up: Changes for SR 522 drivers in Bothell
You may have noticed the new traffic signal at the intersection of SR 522 and Woodinville Drive. Crews recently installed the light but haven’t turned it on yet. Crews must first test the signal to ensure it is working properly and install signs to notify drivers about the change
Once it’s running, the light will direct drivers on both directions of SR 522, as well as drivers headed to and from Woodinville Drive. By next fall, it will also direct traffic at the new south entrance of the UW Bothell Cascadia Community College campus.
For more information visit the project Web site .
Sound Transit seeks public input on service changes
Sound Transit is seeking public comment on several service changes that are proposed for 2009, including changes to bus routes serving Issaquah, and plans for the opening of Link light rail line from Tukwila to downtown Seattle in July.
Public input will inform the Sound Transit Board’s review of proposed changes related to existing projects and services. Sound Transit will be seeking further input in early 2009 on the system expansions approved by voters on Nov. 4.
Proposed changes in 2009 related to existing projects and services include several changes to three routes connecting Issaquah to Bellevue, downtown Seattle, and North Seattle (ST Express Routes 554, 555 and 556). The biggest service change coming in 2009 will be the opening of Link light rail service between Tukwila and downtown Seattle in July and to Sea-Tac Airport in December. A temporary bus shuttle will connect Tukwila Station to the airport until the airport segment opens for service.
For more information about the proposed service changes or to comment on the proposals visit Sound Transit’s Web site .
