News briefs

February 2, 2010 1:56 pm

I-90 construction at night

Work to preserve and strengthen a three-mile section of I-90 between Bellevue Way and the west shore of Mercer Island near West Mercer Way is underway.

Drivers can expect nighttime lane and ramp closures until the project finishes in early summer. Crews will begin working in the Bellevue Way area and then move west to Mercer Island. The work is unavoidably noisy and must take place at night to minimize daytime gridlock on this key commute and freight route. Crews will take several steps to minimize nighttime noise and will use noise shields if feasible. If you are experiencing significant construction noise in your area, you can call WSDOT’s 24-hour noise hotline at (206) 440-4444.

This ARRA-funded work is part of WSDOT and Sound Transit’s I-90 Two-Way Transit and HOV Operations project, which adds HOV lanes on I-90 between Bellevue and Seattle, and improves HOV access in Mercer Island and Bellevue. For the latest closure information, visit WSDOT’s King County construction update Web site: www.wsdot.wa.gov/northwest/king/construction/#I90, and for more information on I-90 projects, go to: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i90/twowaytransit.

County tax bills

Residents who pay their property taxes themselves rather than through a mortgage lender will receive their 2010 statements in the mail sometime during the week of Feb. 16.

King County property owners have until April 30 to pay 2010 first-half property taxes. After the end of April, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill. .

To pay online or view property tax information, taxpayers can visit: www.kingcounty.gov/propertytax.

Looking for IRS tax forms and help?

King County libraries offer free tax assistance at several branches, including the Bellevue branch at 111 110th Ave. N.E.

Tax assistance is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Tax forms are available at the Mercer Island library and at the post office. No AARP classes are set for Mercer Island this year.