Project Description

The Problem

• The “Mercer Mess” has been a regional problem for over 40 years.
• Circuitous one-way routing slows down traffi c and makes the transportation system complicated
• Over 200 accidents happen each year
• The corridor cannot handle the 80,000 vehicles each day that use it.
• Congestion backs up onto Interstate 5 and impacts the entire regional transportation system
• Limits access to jobs, reduces opportunities for economic growth and slows down trade
• Vehicle-based design creates barrier and inhibits the use of transit, walking and bicycling
• Reduces accessibility for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and those who do not drive
• The public infrastructure in the Mercer Corridor is obsolete and in poor condition
• Utilities are 80 to 115 years old
• Pavements, sidewalks and signals are in poor and very poor condition

The Solution

• Improves mobility for over 100,000 persons each day
• Improves traffic flow on I-5 and regional network
• Creates economic opportunity and access to jobs and businesses
• Creates 600 direct construction jobs
• Supports 22,000 new jobs in South Lake Union
• Improves links to Port facilities, industry and research/development uses
• Integrates with land-use, creates jobs/housing balance
• Fixes obsolete public infrastructure up to 115 years old
• Support Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Project
• Improves the environment
• Reduces energy use
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
• Improves water quality and tree canopy
• Supports walking, bike, transit and freight
• Improves safety, fixing six high accident locations

Ready to go!

Click here to see an aerial view of the project area with an overlay of the new design layout.