Puget Sound Transportation Projects

From The News Tribune:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/04/25/2121061/northbound-i-5s-exit-133-to-downtown.html

Ben

http://www.metrofarecomic.com/

Great comic about commuting.

From WSDOT:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/25_NewSR520DrawspanOperations.htm

Due to construction activities for the new SR 520 Floating Bridge, the Eastern navigation channel is closed. Since this is one of the taller parts of the bridge, it means there is a potential for there to be more openings of the drawspan. New rules limit openings to times outside of of 6-9 am or 4-7pm on weekdays.

Given that a drawspan opening causes traffic nightmares, this is a good thing. At the very least it will limit impacts during normal commute hours.

Ben

From The Seattle Times:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2018048761_ferry23m.html

The Kingston-Seattle foot ferry has attracted so few riders that it costs as much as $35k per rider to operate. There is some argument that mismanagement has limited ridership.

This is unfortunate. We need more transportation options, not less. However, the options provided must be sustainable and efficient.

Ben

From WSDOT:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/20_I-5+Exit+to+Tacoma+Changing.htm

Northbound Exit 133, the Downtown Tacoma exit on Interstate 5, will be closing until July for reconstruction related to the Nalley Valley Viaduct project. Drivers will exit at Exit 132 and bypass.

Ben

From The News Tribune:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/04/20/2114472/pierce-transit-changes-allocation.html

Smaller cities will have more representation on the Pierce Transit board. Hopefully this will allow for more effective planning and less cuts in service as was faced earlier this year.

Ben

From KING-5 via MSNBC:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47086935/ns/local_news-seattle_wa/

Toll bills for the SR 520 Bridge are being mailed in plain envelopes used by the state to save money. It is recommended to carefully check all mail if you may be expecting a toll bill.

Or just get a Good to Go pass. It’s easier.

Ben

Article from Publicola:
http://publicola.com/2012/04/18/should-transit-be-practical-or-fun/

Article discusses what public transportation’s purpose should be. I would argue it should serve as many people as possible, but yes it also does have to make it worthwhile to use.

Ben

http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/RAIL/

Information from the Oregon Department of Transportation on their rail programs.

Ben

From WSDOT:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2012/04/18_2012_workzone_safety.htm

National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week is April 23-27.

Go Orange and Give Em a Break!

Ben