This is in response to the proposed ICW “road diet” that the City Council is considering in the coming months. Looking over the data from www.mercerislandabc.org, it shows how the temporary reconfiguration of Merrimount and Island Crest Way has reduced the number of accidents while not increasing transit times for Island residents who live at the South end of the Island. I think this temporary reconfiguration should stay in place as more data is collected to ensure that this reconfiguration is truly safer.

I think the Council needs to address the intersection of 47th and Island Crest Way next and try a temporary reconfiguration to see if this can reduce serious vehicle accidents in the future.

Jay Johnson