December 17 Update

Signatures keep coming in! Sixty or more today as this goes to post. 

We will try to explain some project issues one at a time that underlie our petition in these daily posts. 

Traffic - The street in the photo in this update depicts the haul route access to the western end of the work bridges. Most  material entering and leaving the construction zone for the 700 to 900 million dollar SR 520 viaduct replacement project will have to travel through intersections similar to this. This designated haul route is characterized by five intersections specifically designed to calm traffic and improve pedestrian safety. The intersections are intended to pass emergency vehicles but be somewhat difficult to navigate for heavy trucks.  This haul route has traffic islands, curb bulbs, raised intersections, substandard lane widths and on street designated bike route shared with vehicles. Basically a terrible route for up to 200 heavy construction vehicles per day, some with oversize loads. Under a work bridge approach trucks are forced to use this and several other narrow neighborhood streets with traffic calming measures for up to a mile to access the proposed work bridges. Use of narrow neighborhood streets by heavy construction vehicles creates safety concerns for truckers and the public. Detours and road closures associated with work bridge access will affect traffic in northeast Seattle. Deliveries and public services will be affected on the haul routes. 

Safety risks for drivers, bicycles and pedestrians are greatly reduced or avoided altogether if the project is constructed from barges.

Thanks to everyone for signing to build 520 faster with lower cost and lower impacts. Keep on sharing, we are making progress!

Sr 520 Working Group