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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Agreement Reached on Mercer Mess
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
7/30/2004 9:15:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Eric Tweit, SDOT Project Manager, (206) 684-8834
Dawn Schellenberg, SDOT Public Relations, (206) 684-5189
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Agreement Reached on Mercer "Mess"
South Lake Union Report Reflects Consensus on
Transportation
Package
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) today released a package of proposed improvements that includes fixing the 'Mercer Mess' and untangling barriers in the middle of our city. Resulting from strong support from a diverse group of neighborhood, business and community representatives, the South Lake Union Study improvements call for a two-way Mercer Street, streetcar and a number of other pedestrian, bicycle and transit improvements which, taken together:
- Reconnect a growing neighborhood to the City;
- Untangle streets that create barriers in the middle of Seattle;
- Improve mobility for people in Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, Eastlake and surrounding neighborhoods that use this corridor;
- Promote transit, walking and bicycling; and
- Continue a smooth flow of freight and people through the corridor.
Over a nine-month period, more than a dozen community representatives reviewed issues and recommendations and worked with consultants and SDOT to develop the study.
"The package of improvements presented in the study are all beneficial to the economic future of the Uptown Urban Center," noted John Coney President of Uptown Alliance. "Taken as a whole, the package will improve access to Uptown, Queen Anne, Interbay and Ballard."
The study documents the analysis and review of existing conditions, reports on suggestions from the public, identifies issues and alternatives, and produces recommendations. It also incorporates a top priority of the South Lake Union Neighborhood Plan calling for building on the existing transportation system to increase efficiency.
"There is good news for all of us who want progress on Seattle's transportation problems," said Grace Crunican, SDOT Director. "We have strong agreement on the Mercer "mess" that recognizes South Lake Union is becoming a great place to live, work and visit - not just get through. I'm grateful for the citizens who donated their time for this important work."
After City Council finishes their review of the study, next steps include:
- Completing the environmental review process for the Mercer Corridor Project;
- Subject to Council approval, begin design and preliminary engineering of the South Lake Union Streetcar;
- Incorporating other recommendations into the Capitol Improvement Program as funding becomes available; and
- Working with King County Metro and other partners to identify funding opportunities and a phasing plan for transit service improvements.
For more information read the South Lake Union Transportation Study.
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Seattle Department of Transportation
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