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Policy, Planning, & Major Projects
Improving Mercer Corridor
Revised July 3, 2008
Moving Forward on Mercer
On May 12, 2008, the Seattle City Council voted 8-1 to continue work on the project, making it possible to complete the environmental documentation, final design, and begin right-of way acquisition. Public review of the Draft Environmental Assessment is expected to occur this fall and final design is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year. Construction is scheduled to begin Summer of 2009, pending additional construction funding authorization from City Council. If construction begins on time, we expect 2-way Mercer to be operational by Summer 2011, prior to major construction on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Project. Read the Frequently Asked Questions to learn more.
Two-way Mercer is a significant transportation improvement
The Two-way Mercer Corridor Project will widen Mercer Street between I-5 and Dexter Ave North to accommodate three lanes of travel in each direction, parking, sidewalks and a median with left-turn lanes. Valley Street will be narrowed to a two-lane, two-way street.
A two-way Mercer and narrow Valley Street will:
- Provide a direct route from I-5 into and through the area to serve existing and future travel needs;
- Improve a key alternative route to Seattle Center and surrounding neighborhoods during Alaskan Way Viaduct construction;
- Improve travel time from I-5 to Queen Anne;
- Remove barriers, such as turn restrictions, and make it easier to get around by car, truck, foot, or bike;
- Support transit use through convenient pedestrian access and a street network that allows east-west transit service;
- Connect bicyclists from Eastlake to Dexter with new lanes on Valley and Roy streets;
- Create a quiet, pedestrian-friendly Valley Street to connect the neighborhood to South Lake Union Park;
- Support the City's economic development and livability goals for South Lake Union.
SDOT is completing a federal Environmental Assessment (EA) for Two-way Mercer Street and moving forward with design.
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Watch the simulation of two-way Mercer corridor.
Approaching two-way Mercer Street from I-5, traveling west to Westlake Avenue, north on Westlake, and then east on Valley Street to Fairview Avenue
(Note: RealOne Player is required to view this video. To get the free RealOne Player, visit the Real Network website.)
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The Mayor's Action Agenda for South Lake Union
Attract Biotech jobs
Create a waterfront park
Help create a great neighborhood
Build a streetcar
Improve the Mercer Corridor
Upgrade essential utilities to provide for growth
Promote Sustainable Development Practices
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Mercer Traffic Approaching I-5
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Fairview Avenue at Valley Street
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Today - Mercer/Valley
Future - Mercer only
The Future - Two-way Mercer works with a lowered Aurora (part of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Project)
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