The City of Mercer Island explained today why the new traffic signals to be installed along S.E. 27th Street at 77th and 78th Avenues S.E. stopped short a few weeks ago.

The City began work on installing traffic signals in the Town Center on S.E. 27th Street at 77th Avenue S.E. and 78th Avenue S.E. in early August. Construction of the underground infrastructure to support the signals was largely complete by the end of September. A regional shortage of traffic signal equipment created a brief delay to the project in October. Work will resume in early November and be finished by the end of the month.

The signals will increase pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow at these intersections.

Planning for this project started several years ago when private development in the Town Center was booming. Some of the underground infrastructure for the signals including the signal pole foundations and conduit located under the sidewalks adjacent toThe Mercer, 77Central, and 7800 Plaza projects was constructed as part of those projects before the sidewalks were improved.

The traffic signal project also includes the installation of pedestrian signals and marked crosswalks to improve street crossings for pedestrians. The City asks for your patience during the occasional sidewalk and lane closures associated with this project. Questions can be directed to Patrick Yamashita, City Engineer at 206.275.7722 orpatrick.yamashita@mercergov.org.