West Mercer Way shoulder paving project continues
Work on the city’s project to construct a new paved shoulder for pedestrian and bicycle use along West Mercer Way in the 7400 to 8100 blocks has been underway since Jan. 9.
The project is on-budget and now over 50 percent complete. However, progress was hampered by snow and frequent heavy rains, pushing the completion date from late February to May 1.
Early in the construction, a conflict was discovered between proposed drainage pipes and an existing natural gas main. Puget Sound Energy contractors were tentatively scheduled to begin relocation of the gas main in March. Once the gas work is done and some dry weather returns, the city’s contractor should be able to get another portion of the new shoulder paved.
During work hours, the roadway will continue to be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic, controlled by flaggers. Motorists and cyclists should expect brief travel delays through the work area.
For more information, contact Street Engineer Clint Morris at clint.morris@mercergov.org.
Transportation program update is underway
Mercer Island and other cities in Washington State are preparing annual updates to their six-year transportation improvement programs, known as a “TIP.” The TIP includes roadway, pedestrian and bicycle projects planned for the six-year period beginning in 2018.
The process of updating Mercer Island’s TIP includes opportunities for the public to provide input on what they would like to see in the update. The public comment period runs now through April 17.
Those who are interested in learning more about the TIP, viewing the TIP adopted by the City Council in 2016 or submitting an online comment for consideration in the 2018-2023 TIP, can visit the city’s special TIP web page. Note that the TIP does not include East Link Light Rail or other work on I-90 but only Mercer Island’s streets and trails.
The City Council will hold a public hearing on the draft 2018-2023 TIP at its May 15 meeting to receive public testimony. Interested individuals may appear and provide input at the hearing or provide written comments in advance via the TIP web page at www.mercergov.org/Page.asp?NavID=1430. The TIP is scheduled for adoption by the council on June 19.
Contact Transportation Engineer Casey Nelson at casey.nelson@mercergov.org with questions, or call 206-275-7655.
PSE to replace gas main on North Mercer Way
In an ongoing effort to deliver safe and reliable service to Mercer Island customers, Puget Sound Energy will be performing maintenance on the natural gas system in the North Mercer Way area.
Starting approximately April 15, crews from PSE and its contractor InfraSource will replace the existing underground natural gas main, installed in 1981, with corrosion-resistant plastic main.
The work may take up to three months due to excavation needs. Standard work hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, during which one lane will often be closed. Flaggers will guide vehicles and pedestrians safely through the work zone.
Neighbors have been notified, and electronic reader boards will be placed before construction actually begins. PSE encourages residents to become familiar with natural gas safety. Visit www.pse.com/safety/NaturalGasSafety for more.
