Public participation encouraged as Regional Express moves ahead on proposed I-90 & Mercer Island transit improvements

The first of several opportunities for people to get information and get involved in decisions about Regional Express projects on Mercer Island and I-90 has been set by Sound Transit - the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority. A number of proposals are under discussion regarding changes to I-90 operations to benefit transit and potential sites for a new transit station and additional park-and-ride spaces on Mercer Island. The public is invited to an open house to hear about proposed alternatives for each project and give their input:
  Thursday, October 8, 1998 Drop by between 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Presentations given on the hour   Mercer Island High School 9100 SE 42nd Street

The Regional Express bus transit system will provide 20 new express bus routes and numerous improvements to transit centers, park-and-ride facilities and HOV lanes throughout the region. Regional Express projects are designed to make travelling faster and more reliable for people on the Regional Express and local buses. A number of possible lane configurations are being considered for I-90, including changing the HOV lanes from reversible to two-way operations and re-striping of the existing general traffic lanes. Continued community input will be sought before a final decision is made in 1999. 

Alternatives being considered for the new Mercer Island transit station include sites near the I-90 center lanes, and to the north and south of I-90. Park-and-ride alternatives include both surface and structured parking. The options include expanding the existing lot, using some of the I-90 right-of-way on the south side of the freeway, using a combination of I-90 right-of-way and private property on the south side of I-90, or constructing parking over I-90.

Sound Transit has established a steering committee to advise the Mercer Island Project Management team and ensure that decisions are made in partnership the cities of Mercer Island, Bellevue and Seattle; King County; Metro Transit; the state Department of Transportation; and regional and federal transportation agencies. A community "Sounding Board" consisting of interested Mercer Island residents and off-island commuters and transit users will also be formed following the first open house. 

Approved by voters in 1996, Sound Transit is in the process of implementing a three-county transit plan known as Sound Move. In addition to Regional Express services, Sound Transit is developing Sounder commuter rail between Everett and Tacoma/Lakewood and Link light rail, a 24-mile system connecting the cities of Seattle, Tukwila and SeaTac and a 1.6-mile system in Tacoma. 

For more information, please visit the Sound Transit website:  www.soundtransit.org

You may also call or write for more information at Sound Transit, 1100 - 2nd Ave., Seattle 98101. 206-398-5000.

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Sound Transit plans, builds and operates regional transit systems and services to improve mobility for Central Puget Sound.