Puget Sound Real Estate and Community Blog

Preliminary SR 520 costs released

Decision makers and the public now have realistic projections of the probable costs for the SR 520 Corridor Program. WSDOT released updated cost information for the corridor program, including three west side options developed through a mediation process, as well as costs for the Eastside Transit and HOV Project , the floating bridge and the pontoon construction site.

The latest cost estimate for the corridor program ranges between $4.526 and $6.672 billion, depending on which west side design option is chosen. These estimates were developed with WSDOT and a team of independent experts using the Cost Estimate Validation Process approach. The estimates consider cost, schedule, risks, opportunities and uncertainties.

For more information about the cost estimates please visit the project Web site .

Take the survey about potential tolling options across Lake Washington

The 520 Tolling Implementation Committee is seeking additional public input about how tolls can help pay for a new 520 bridge between Seattle and Bellevue. The committee hosted three open houses this month in Seattle, Mercer Island and Bellevue to talk with local communities about possible tolling options across Lake Washington (including both SR 520 and I-90).

If you couldn’t make it to one of the open houses you can take the committee’s online survey . Individual survey responses will be completely confidential.

The survey results will be shared with the committee in mid-December. Public comments and survey results will also be included in a report to the Legislature in January 2009, setting the stage for legislative decisions during the 2009 session.

To make sure your involvement counts, we ask that you complete the survey by Nov. 30.

Building a new bridge in Bellevue

The NE 10th Street bridge is taking shape as crews continue to set large girders across I-405 in downtown Bellevue. Crews have set more than half of the 24 girders needed to build the backbone of the bridge. The new bridge will connect downtown Bellevue and the city’s growing hospital district and relieve congestion on NE Eighth Street.

Careful planning by WSDOT project engineers has allowed crews to keep I-405 open during construction of the bridge. However, on weeknights from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and Saturday night from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., traffic may be reduced to one lane in each direction. The reduction is needed so crews can truck in the large girders, hoist them onto the columns that support the bridge, and secure them into place. The Washington State Patrol will slow traffic for up to five minutes two times a night while crews lift the girders onto the columns. Drivers should also note that area ramps may close as early as 9 p.m. during construction.

For more information about the project, details of area ramp closures, and to view pictures and a video of a girder being set, please visit the project Web site .

Heads up: Changes for SR 522 drivers in Bothell

You may have noticed the new traffic signal at the intersection of SR 522 and Woodinville Drive. Crews recently installed the light but haven’t turned it on yet. Crews must first test the signal to ensure it is working properly and install signs to notify drivers about the change

Once it’s running, the light will direct drivers on both directions of SR 522, as well as drivers headed to and from Woodinville Drive. By next fall, it will also direct traffic at the new south entrance of the UW Bothell Cascadia Community College campus.

For more information visit the project Web site .

Sound Transit seeks public input on service changes

Sound Transit is seeking public comment on several service changes that are proposed for 2009, including changes to bus routes serving Issaquah, and plans for the opening of Link light rail line from Tukwila to downtown Seattle in July.

Public input will inform the Sound Transit Board’s review of proposed changes related to existing projects and services. Sound Transit will be seeking further input in early 2009 on the system expansions approved by voters on Nov. 4.

Proposed changes in 2009 related to existing projects and services include several changes to three routes connecting Issaquah to Bellevue, downtown Seattle, and North Seattle (ST Express Routes 554, 555 and 556). The biggest service change coming in 2009 will be the opening of Link light rail service between Tukwila and downtown Seattle in July and to Sea-Tac Airport in December. A temporary bus shuttle will connect Tukwila Station to the airport until the airport segment opens for service.

For more information about the proposed service changes or to comment on the proposals visit Sound Transit’s Web site .

Expect a sea of orange Saturday night in south Bellevue
Late night drivers will see lots of orange on I-405 this Saturday night when crews will reduce the three southbound lanes down to one. Construction crews will close two lanes from Coal Creek Parkway to 112th Ave. SE. overnight starting at 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. During the closure crews will install a new, larger catch basin under the highway to connect to I-405’s drainage system. This work will take all night. Crews will reopen all the lanes at 8:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 28.

WSDOT anticipates slow downs so avoid the area during this work if possible and know before you go by calling 511 or checking traffic conditions online .

Upcoming weekend closure on eastbound SR 522 in Bothell
If you haven’t driven by the SR 522 UW Bothell project site near I-405, you’ve been missing something. Crews have been busy reshaping this 1/3 mile long construction zone and the site looks entirely different than it did two months ago or even two weeks ago.

This weekend crews will close eastbound SR 522 between SR 527 and I-405 to connect the eastbound lanes to a new roadway.  The closure begins at 11:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26.  When the road reopens at 5 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 29 drivers will be travelling on the new, straighter lanes.  The work is weather dependent, which means crews may have to reschedule the closure if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

WSDOT recommends that you avoid the area during the closure and take alternate routes.  However, if you have to travel on eastbound SR 522 in Bothell this weekend, give yourself extra travel time and look for signed detours that will take you to eastbound SR 522 via northbound SR 527 and southbound I-405.

Fish window of opportunity opens on SR 900
The SR 900 widening project from Newport Way to just south of Talus Drive is in full swing. This month WSDOT fish biologist Andrew Gross worked with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to divert Tibbetts Creek through a 10-inch hose while crews widened a section of roadway that bridges it.

When road construction requires WSDOT to work in or near a stream, WDFW provides WSDOT with a fish window permit. The fish window permit allows WSDOT to divert the stream during a very specific window of time when they know there are no migrating salmon swimming in it.

According to WDFW biologists, the Tibbetts Creek adult salmon run begins in late fall. WSDOT plans to remove the diversion hose next week, opening up a long fish window of opportunity for salmon to migrate.

Volunteers needed to count Washington’s bicyclists and pedestrians
If you enjoy the outdoors, WSDOT has the perfect opportunity for you. The state is looking for a few good volunteers to tally the number of people who chose to walk or bike to their destinations. The information will be used to establish benchmarks and track progress toward the state’s goal of encouraging people to get out of their cars. Volunteers are needed on Sept. 30, Oct. 1 and Oct. 2. Those who are interested in helping can learn more by visiting WSDOT’s Web site. You can also contact the Cascade Bicycle Club at organizer@cascadebicycleclub.org to sign up.
Take advantage of ChooseYourWayBellevue.org, Bellevue’s one-stop online resource for travel options and local travel conditions.

Late night I-90 closures and rolling slowdowns on Mercer Island

Late-night drivers should prepare for delays on I-90 in Mercer Island. Starting Monday, June 23 crews plan several lane and ramp closures as they build new I-90 HOV on and off-ramps on Mercer Island and improve I-90 HOV access at Bellevue Way as part of Sound Transit’s I-90 HOV access project. Work will continue through Friday, June 27. On, Saturday and Sunday crews will conduct rolling slowdowns overnight on eastbound I-90 while they install a sign bridge

Learn what’s happening with SR 520 at open houses this week

WSDOT is hosting two open houses this week in Seattle and Bellevue to share information about the latest plans for the SR 520 bridge replacement . The new plans that we will present are a result of a mediation process on the west side of Lake Washington and collaboration with Eastside communities.

In addition to the update about the bridge replacement, representatives from the Lake Washington Urban Partnership will also launch an environmental process for a proposal to toll the existing SR 520 floating bridge, and they want to hear what you think should be studied in the environmental analysis.

You will also be able to speak with project partners working on other key corridor elements, including Sound Transit, King County Metro, and staff from the newly-formed SR 520 Tolling Implementation Committee .

The first open house will start at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, at the Naval Reserve Building in Seattle, 860 Terry Ave N (at Valley Street). The second open house will take place from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 25, at Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE.

How will you get around during the Wilburton Tunnel closures in August?

It’s never too early to plan your routes around I-405 in Bellevue this August. During the weekends of August 8-11, 15-18 and 22-25 crews will close southbound I-405 between SE 8th Street and I-90 to remove the Wilburton Tunnel (PDF 1 MB) to make room for more southbound I-405 lanes.

How can you help minimize traffic backups? Delay or reschedule nonessential trips, use an alternate route, carpool, take the bus or work from home.

You can also call 511 for travel information and check the I-405 construction updates closure information on I-405.

Tolling committee launches conversation about SR 520 tolling
To launch public discussions about tolling in the SR 520 corridor, the 2008 legislature appointed a tolling implementation committee that has three members: WSDOT Secretary Paula Hammond; Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Director Bob Drewel; and Commissioner Dick Ford from the Washington State Transportation Commission. The committee recently held its first public meeting on June 17, and has launched its new Web site at http://www.build520.org/.

Southbound I-405 in Bellevue to close in August for tunnel removal
Crews in south Bellevue continue to make progress removing dirt and vegetation from the top of the Wilburton tunnel in preparation for its demolition this August.  Crews will use equipment that will crunch and break concrete as well as a crane with a wrecking ball to demolish the Wilburton tunnel.  Southbound I-405 will close completely from SE 8th Street to I-90 during three weekends:

11 p.m., Friday, August 8 to 5 a.m., Monday August 11
11 p.m., Friday, August 15 to 5 a.m., Monday, August 18
11 p.m., Friday August 22 to 5 a.m., Monday August 25

You have probably noticed that Duvall Avenue is now closed between Sunset Blvd. NE and SE 95th Way. This closure is scheduled to remain in force for approximately one year.

To minimize the road closure’s impact on your daily commute, you can take advantage of a shortcut by turning left on SR 900 from Duvall and then right on Union. Head South on Union to SE 95th Way and turn left when you get to Duvall. Most drivers are not aware of the fact that the closure has not affected the bridge.

Improvements will include widening the road to five lanes, including a two-way left-turn lane in the center; overhead power lines being converted to underground lines in anticipation of added safety during storms and emergencies; a new traffic signal at Duvall Ave. N. and NE 21st St.; new gutters; new bicycle lanes; and new sidewalks.

For updates visit duvall.rentonwa.gov.

Prepare to slowdown for paving work on SR 202 in Redmond starting May 27

Starting Tuesday, May 27 crews will place the final layer of asphalt on SR 202 during the day as they enter the home stretch to complete widening work as part of the SR 202 –SR 520 Sahalee Way project in Redmond.

Crews will need to shift traffic and reduce the roadway to a single lane in each direction between 187th Avenue NE and Sahalee Way to complete this paving work. WSDOT anticipates this work to last through June 13. However, the work is weather dependent. If it rains or temperatures are too cold, WSDOT will need to reschedule the work.

If you travel through this area plan for delays and take alternate routes. Also learn more about the planned closures and check conditions on our traffic cameras before you hit the highways.

Late night closure on I-90 in Mercer Island
Late night drivers should prepare for delays on I-90 in Mercer Island. Starting next week on May 27 crews plan several lane and ramp closures as they build new I-90 HOV on and off-ramps on Mercer Island and improve I-90 HOV access at Bellevue Way . Work will continue through May 30.

WSDOT releases the 2008 state map in time for Memorial Day travel
While it’s not like waiting in line all night for the latest version of Grand Theft Auto, folks do get excited about the biennial release of the WSDOT state map.

This year, WSDOT printed 800,000 maps and as always they are giving them away for free. You can get one by visiting the WSDOT Web site or by calling the map line at 360-705-7279.

Having the map in your car allows you to travel our beautiful state and not worry about sketchy cell phone reception or going off the beaten path, unable get back. It’s your guide to adventure, well-loved and used just like that old t-shirt you’ll be wearing this summer as you crisscross the state.

Bids for the Duvall project were opened on February 26th and the contract was awarded by Renton City Council on March 17th to low bidder Northwest Cascade, Inc.

Duvall Avenue is expected to close between SR 900 (Sunset Blvd.NE) and SE 95th Way starting in June, and remain closed for approximately a year. The closure allows construction to be completed in the least amount of time and prioritizes safety during construction, minimizing impacts to surrounding neighborhoods.

Improvements include widening the road to five lanes, including a two-way left-turn lane in the center; overhead power lines being converted to underground lines in anticipation of added safety during storms and emergencies; new traffic signal at Duvall Ave. N. and NE 21st St.; new gutters; new bicycle lanes; and new sidewalks.

For updates visit duvall.rentonwa.gov.

Pick the best times to travel this Memorial Day weekend

Are you planning a road trip this Memorial Day weekend? WSDOT can help. Their travel graphs can help you decide the best times to travel our highways around the state.

On average, 26,000 vehicles cross I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass everyday. On weekends and holidays like Memorial Day, that number doubles to between 55,000 and 60,000 vehicles. Traffic also increases on most sections of I-5 on Friday afternoon and on Monday. Longer-than typical wait times at ferry docks and Canadian border crossings are also expected most of the holiday weekend.

Work at most construction projects around the state will move off the highway from noon Friday until Tuesday morning. Although there may not be any active construction, you should be prepared for shifted lanes, roadway detours and reduced speed zones in places.

I-405 project hosts public hearing May 22 in Bellevue
WSDOT is holding an environmental assessment hearing for the I-405 NE 8th Street to SR 520 Improvement project on May 22 from 4 p.m. to 7p.m. at Bellevue City Hall . If you can’t make it to the hearing the environmental assessment document is available for comments May 7-June 9 on the project website.

How is the rising cost of fuel affecting your driving habits?
Gas costs more than it ever has. So, it is no surprise that transit organizations throughout Washington are reporting strong growth in ridership. The question for WSDOT is how the fuel prices are affecting travel behavior on our state highways.

A quick look at some WSDOT data from the central Puget Sound region shows that people seem to be driving a little less.

Weeknight closures coming for I-405 and I-90 in South Bellevue
Late-night drivers should be prepared for delays starting April 28 when crews begin major work on a new southbound I-405 bridge over I-90. The work will require a number of weeknight closures of I-90 at I-405, as well as lane closures and rolling slowdowns on I-405, plus numerous ramp closures at the I-405/I-90 interchange through early May. The closures will keep drivers safe and give crews the room that they need to set bridge girders for the new bridge as part of the I-405 South Bellevue Widening Project .

Crews do heavy lifting to widen I-405-plan for closures between Renton and Tukwila through Sunday
Please slow down and use extra caution while driving on I-405 between Renton and Tukwila. Crews are busy setting girders and doing electrical work as part of the I-405 widening project.

Crews will lift several reinforced concrete girders into place to support the deck of a new and wider bridge on I-405 over Oakesdale Ave. SW and Springbrook Creek. They will need to close Oakesdale Ave. SW and two southbound I-405 lanes, between I-5 and SR 167, overnight through Thursday, April 24 to safely complete this work. Starting at 10 p.m., Friday, April 25 crews will close the HOV lane in each direction of I-405, between I-5 and SR 167, so they can conduct electrical work in the median. Crews will reopen the lanes Sunday morning, April 27.

Be sure to check the WSDOT traffic information Web page , call 511 just before your trip for the latest traffic details or visit the WSDOT Construction Updates Web page for up to date traffic information.

Help WSDOT celebrate the new Totem Lake freeway station
This weekend WSDOT will be thanking drivers and residents for their patience during construction of the new Totem Lake freeway station with some family fun in Kirkland. Please join them for a community celebration of the new station from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday, April 26 at the Kingsgate Park and Ride lot, 13001 116th Way NE in Kirkland. Enjoy free food, entertainment, games for the whole family and learn more about transportation plans for I-405.

Keep your employees moving during I-405 construction with Commute Advantage
Keep your employees moving during I-405 construction by giving them tools and strategies for sharing the ride to work. Learn more about Commute Advantage options such as $25 FlexPass rebates per pass, carpool and vanpool incentives, free commute planning assistance, tips for an environmentally-friendly commute and much more. Attend one of the following workshops at the Bellevue Downtown Association, 500 108th Ave. NE, Suite 210:
Thursday, May 1 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 6 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
For more information or to register for a workshop, please contact TransManage at (425) 453-0644 or caryn@bellevuedowntown.org.

David Edwards
REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound
Phone: 425-890-8045
E-Mail: david@davidjedwards.com
Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com
Blogsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/renton-info-blog.asp
Mobile Site: http://davidjedwards.mofuse.mobi
Community Reports: http://www.topmarketer.net/CSR/CSReport.aspx?CV4GU5KAYOEF

David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue Washington.

Stuck in gridlock on SR 167? HOT lanes are coming soon
A new option for solo drivers stuck in gridlock on SR 167 is just around the corner. In April the SR 167 HOT Lanes Pilot Project will open the carpool lanes on SR 167 between Renton and Auburn to solo drivers who pay an electronic toll using a Good To Go! transponder. The toll amount will automatically increase or decrease with current traffic levels to ensure carpoolers the same express service they rely on.

This is a four-year pilot project that will study how variable tolling can help make SR 167 more efficient by tapping into unused space in the existing carpool lanes. Watch your e-mail box for the I-405 and Eastside Projects Update each week for more information as the HOT lanes opening nears.

Get ready for major bridge work in south Bellevue
If you travel on I-90 or I-405 in south Bellevue start planning ahead for a number of weeknight closures at the end of April and beginning of May. Near the I-405 interchange crews will close eastbound and westbound I-90 each for several nights during a two week period. This will give crews the room they need to set bridge girders for the new southbound bridge over I-90 as part of the I-405 South Bellevue Widening Project . For the safety of drivers, crews will also need to close lanes on I-405 and several ramps in the area. Stay tuned for more details as work gets closer.

Imagine your commute in cartoons – visit the new Bellevue commuter Web site
For Bellevue commuters interested in alternatives to driving alone and for anyone who enjoys a colorful cartoon, there’s good news. A new website with tons of information about travel options to and from Bellevue has launched a viewer-inspired cartoon series by noted artist Ellen Forney. Whether your idea of a dream commute is by pogo stick or flying carpet please visit chooseyourwaybellevue.org and share it. The cartoons will be based on suggestions from visitors to the one-stop travel options resource. Workers, students and employees in Bellevue are also encouraged to sign up for the Commute Connections newsletter to receive quarterly updates from the new site.

David Edwards

REALTOR

Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound

Phone: 425-890-8045

E-Mail: david@davidjedwards.com

Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com

Blogsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/renton-info-blog.asp

Mobile Site: http://davidjedwards.mofuse.mobi

Community Reports: http://www.topmarketer.net/CSR/CSReport.aspx?CV4GU5KAYOEF 

David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR with Keller Williams Realty specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Renton, Newcastle and South Bellevue Washington.