From WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/4_wa_or_integratedcorridor.htm WSDOT and ODOT are working to join forces and manage the passenger rail corridor from Vancouver BC to Eugene, OR as one entity. This should help improve Amtrak Cascades service. Ben
From Sound Transit: http://www.soundtransit.org/About-Sound-Transit/News-and-events/News-releases/second-tunnel-boring-machine-finishes.xml The second tunnel boring machine on the University Link extension has holed through today, completing both tunnels from the University of Washington to Capitol Hill. This is great news. Adding this extension will dramatically open up access to the University of Washington and to Capitol Hill. Ben
From The News Tribune: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/04/01/2091496/puyallup-sumner-will-get-upgrades.html The Puyallup and Sumner Sounder stations are first in line for getting improvements such as parking garages or other ways to get to the stations. Given that these stations have little parking and are heavily used, this is a good thing. Ben
From The Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017862072_520bridge29m.html Information on and renderings of the design of the new SR 520 Floating Bridge which will include a walking/biking path and lookout points. Looks very nice. Ben
From WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/2012TIGER4Grants.htm WSDOT is applying for up to 125 million in TIGER grants for projects in King, Spokane and Whatcom counties. They would include extending the SR 167 HOT lanes, adding access to the Canadian border and continue construction on the North Spokane Corridor. Ben
From WSDOT: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/03/21SR520TollRates.htm Toll rates on the SR 520 bridge will increase by 2.5% in July. This was in the initial financial plan. While planned, given the controversies around the toll it seems that this could have been held off for awhile… Ben
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Rail/Projects.htm Interesting look at high speed rail projects in Washington. Ben
From The Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017786443_triplett19m.html The Kirkland City Manager wants to make a walking trail, linear park and transit line along the Eastside Rail Corridor, the former Woodinville Subdivision. This is fine as long as there is a provision to run commuter rail down this line in the future. Doing that would dramatically help traffic [...]
From The News Tribune: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/03/11/2062990/cameras-meters-for-i-5-could-improve.html Cameras and ramp meters have been added on Interstate 5 between Lakewood and Lacey through Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Hopefully they can be used to help alleviate the congestion in the area. Ben
From The News Tribune: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/03/11/2062988/gridlock-relief-in-works-for-south.html An extension of 39th Avenue on Puyallup’s South Hill is due to be completed this year. The road will allow drivers a bypass route around the heavy congestion due to the mall and other stores in the area. Ben