From WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/12/28_BellinghamEVcharging.htm Construction begins in Bellingham on the state’s first rapid charging station for electric vehicles. This is part of the West Coast Electric Highway project, an effort to create a chain of these charging stations, ensuring that electric vehicles will be able to travel for long distances. While a good idea, I am [...]
From WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/12/29_SR520TOLLINGFIRSTDAY.htm The first day of all electronic tolling on the SR 520 bridge went well. However, keep in mind this is a holiday week too. While I know tolling is unpopular, it is really the only way to pay for these kinds of mega-projects and it is the ultimate usage fee. Ben
From WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2011/12/29_Day1520Toll.htm Tolling began this AM on the SR 520 Bridge. So far traffic is light but we will see what happens next week when we are back to a normal commute. Ben
From The News Tribune: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/12/23/1956330/first-the-kingdome-now-the-viaduct.html Work is beginning to tear down large portions of the Nalley Valley Viaduct in preparation to expand the other side of SR 16. While unfortunate, especially with the old viaducts innovative design, the upgrades on the Westbound section have already dramatically improved traffic. Can’t wait to see what the additions [...]
From The News Tribune: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/12/22/1954734/new-rules-seek-to-lighten-ferry.html Due to the growing weight of people in America, capacity has been limited by about 250 passengers depending on the boat. While it is good that we are looking out for safety, it is sad that we had to raise the average weight from 160 to 185 pounds. Ben
From The News Tribune: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/12/21/1953417/floatplane-dock-may-be-in-foss.html A floatplane dock has been proposed at the mouth of the Foss Waterway. This would be an interesting addition to the areas transportation network. Currently most floatplanes operate out of Seattle, either on Lake Union or Lake Washington. Adding a dock to the Foss would allow floatplane users to access [...]
From Transportation Issues Daily: http://www.transportationissuesdaily.com/tiger-iii-rail-projects-are-big-winners/ The government’s latest round of TIGER grants have gone primairly to rail projects. This includes both freight and passenger rail. It is good we are funding rail projects since trains both have their own right of way and can travel much faster than tire-based vehicles. Sound Transit received some of [...]
From The News Tribune: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/12/17/1949677/shoulder-driving-will-help-ease.html In order to help the increased traffic on Interstate 5 passing through Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WSDOT will be improving the shoulders in the most congested section and allow shoulder driving. Signs will alert drivers if the shoulders are closed. While not the best solution, this is a cost-effective way to [...]
From KOMO-TV: http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Owner-Kalakala-ferry-sold-for-1-saved-from-scrap-yard-135857043.html The Kalakala was sold to an anonymous bidder who says they will refurbish it and make it able to sail again. Hopefully it will then be home ported in the Seattle area, but it could also go to California. This is good news, if it works out. The ferry is a historic [...]
http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/get-you-there/520-tolling/ Metro Transit provides information on ways to use transit to avoid the SR 520 Bridge toll. Ben