From Sound Transit: http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/DSTT-travel-time-test.xml Sound and Metro Transit will be testing travel times on buses that will no longer be free later this year. While I understand the need, eliminating the ride free zone in the tunnel is a BAD idea. Already there are delays at rush hour. What is going to happen when all [...]
From The News Tribune: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/01/23/1994719/commuter-rail-bridge-will-improve.htm A reader notes that the new Sounder bridge in Downtown Tacoma looks ugly. Sound Transit’s response is that the bridge will be painted and have an art project on it. Ben
From WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/12_First520TollBills.htm WSDOT has mailed the first 19,000 toll bills for the SR 520 bridge. This was far less than was expected due to the use of the Good to Go electronic tolling pass. Ben
From KOMO News: http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Gregoire-calls-for-36B-transportation-package-137031788.html Governor Gregoire has proposed a 3.6 billion transportation package to maintain roads, funded in part by a $100 fee on electric vehicles and a $1.50 fee on oil produced here. While times are tough, something needs to be done about transportation in the state. The state is still doing well despite [...]
From The News Tribune: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/01/10/1976498/edgewood-to-get-its-1st-roundabout.html The city of Edgewood will install a roundabout on Jovita Boulevard near Meridian. While there is some concern over the project, roundabouts have worked fine in other areas, especially in Europe. Since Edgewood is up the hill from where I live, I will try to get ongoing construction pictures. Ben
From The News Tribune: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/01/08/1974135/tacoma-viaduct-demolition-changing.html Demolition on the old Nalley Valley Viaduct will result in nighttime closures of South Center Street. The project is moving ahead. Ben
From WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/06_520TollingWeekLater.htm While traffic is now free flowing on SR 520 and I-90 has gained some traffic, drivers are coming back to 520. This would be expected. The savings in time, and gas, may far outweigh the cost in tolls. Ben
From WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/01/05_SR520_Driverstweakcommute.htm Drivers are shifting their commutes earlier and later on SR 520, leaving the bridge free-flowing during peak travel times, instead of congested and not moving. Yes, variable tolls do work. And people are using the bridge. Morning and evening commutes are at 75% of original levels. Ben
From KING-5: http://www.king5.com/news/local/WSDOT–520-tolling-on-track-to-fund-new-floating-bridge-136806543.html Even with a drop in traffic on the 520 bridge with the introduction of tolls, there is still enough money coming in to fund the replacement bridge. This is excellent news. The bridge has needed replacement for many years. The faster we can move ahead, the better. Ben
From KOMO-TV: http://www.komonews.com/news/local/New-520-Bridge-toll-having-an–136706113.html Business near the SR 520 Bridge have seen a drop in customers after the addition of tolls. More users are shifting their commutes, either to other routes or to public transit. I also wonder if the fact the bridge is now moving instead of dead stopped may have an effect. Easier to [...]