Transportation outreach meetings scheduled for Mercer Island community groups

To educate Islanders about transportation issues with Interstate 90 and light rail, the city has scheduled several outreach meetings this month, starting Oct. 9.

To educate Islanders about transportation issues with Interstate 90 and light rail, the city has scheduled several outreach meetings this month, starting Oct. 9.

The list of events currently includes:

– 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9 at the Mercer Island Farmers Market

– 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at a PTA Council Meeting

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– Noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 20 at the PTA membership brown bag lunch

– Noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25 at the Rotary luncheon

– Noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3 at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon

The construction of any large public works project, such as light rail to the Eastside, brings some adjustments for residents.

The city and Mercer Island City Council members have been working diligently to gain the maximum transportation benefit possible for citizens while minimizing undesirable changes to the daily routines of all Islanders.

These outreach events provide a recap of the relevant history and recent events, clarify the unique importance of I-90 as the sole access on and off the Island, and explain what the council is doing to protect residents’ interests.

The city believes it is critical to maintain mobility and quality of life for residents following the permanent closure of the center roadway express lanes in mid-2017.

The city has been actively engaged with key representatives at the local, regional, state and national level to respect historic agreements and determine binding agreements.

Read the principles (from Oct. 19, 2015) the city is using in mobility negotiations with Sound Transit and WSDOT at www.mercergov.org/files/I-90_Guiding_Principles_19Oct2015.pdf.

For more information about future vehicle access to I-90 (the “R8A Lanes”), and copies of historical agreements and correspondence, visit www.mercergov.org/R8A.

To read more about Sound Transit light rail plans in general, visit www.mercergov.org/Rail.

For more, contact Assistant City Manager Kirsten Taylor at 206-275-7661.