From WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/09/28_I405NorthboundClosure.htm The project to open up the braided interchange between Northbound I-405 and SR 520 will close North I-405 this weekend. However the new interchange will be open on Monday. Having commuted through that area, this is great news. Hopefully this will help some of the horrendous congestion at the current interchange. Ben
From KOMO-TV: http://www.komonews.com/news/local/130701378.html A lawsuit has been filed alleging that a streamlined permitting process designed for light rail was used to plan the new Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River. While it is important we all follow the law and hold everyone to task, it is also important to move this project ahead. Ben
From The News Tribune: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/09/28/1842911/ecology-tests-murray-morgan-dust.html The State Department of Ecology is testing the dust that blew off the Murray Morgan Bridge in Sunday’s windstorm to see if it has lead paint in it. Let’s hope it turns out fine. Ben
From TRI-MET: http://trimet.org/news/fare-enforcement.htm TRI-MET has increased their fare patrols and eliminated just handing out warnings. As the economy continues to worsen, taxpayers are demanding less free rides. Hopefully programs like this will work to increase farebox recovery rates. Ben
From The News Tribune: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/crime/2011/09/25/winds-wreak-havoc-on-murray-morgan-bridges-protective-cover/ Sunday’s windstorm tore the protective cover on the Murray Morgan Bridge. The cover was there to protect the environment from the lead paint being sandblasted off the bridge. Supposedly the material coming off the bridge was not leaded. Hope they’re right, and this is the last issue on this long-overdue [...]
From WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/09/Tales_092311.htm With the 60th anniversary of the Washington State Ferries coming up, WSDOT is looking for user stories and photos. Visit the article for links and contact information. Ben
From KOMO-TV: http://ballard.komonews.com/news/politics/671733-mcginns-2012-budget-include-funding-streetcarsrail Mayor McGinn’s 2012 budget includes $1.5 million for planning up to 5 new streetcar or rail lines in the most congested corridors. While I know we are in a time of austerity, the money for this will come from the sale of city-owned land, and it is important we move forward. It [...]
From MSNBC: http://lifeinc.today.com/_news/2011/09/22/7905026-good-graph-friday-the-commute-is-a-solitary-place A survey shows that 2/3 of Americans commute alone. This is due to multiple factors: Lack of alternate transportation and policies to commute, plus just a strong sense of independence. I will say, having ridden the Sounder for a year now, it is so much better. I have met people (even ones [...]
From WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/09/SR520Pontoonwalls.htm The pontoons for the new SR 520 Floating Bridge are taking shape in Aberdeen. Another project that is way overdue and sorely needed. Ben
From WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/09/22_i5_sr16EBNVaward.htm The contract was just awarded to Mowat Construction for the Eastbound Nalley Valley Viaduct project. Construction should begin this Fall and continue until 2014. This is great news. The opening of the Westbound bridge has already improved traffic through the area. We can only hope the same will happen with the Eastbound [...]