State awards more than $3.5 million for local bridge projects
November 29, 2012
NEW — 10 a.m. Nov. 29, 2012
The state Department of Transportation awarded more than $3.5 million to Issaquah and King County to replace aging bridges, officials announced Wednesday.
The projects — a plan to replace the Northwest Dogwood Street bridge in downtown Issaquah and a plan to redo a bridge across 15 Mile Creek at the base of Tiger Mountain — received a portion of $130 million in federal funds to repair or replace aging bridges.
Replacing the Northwest Dogwood Street bridge across Issaquah Creek is a long-held goal among city officials, but a lack of funding prevented the project from proceeding in the past. The city project is in line to receive $2,254,400 in federal funds.
Reconstruction is meant to help reduce flooding by creating more capacity for the creek beneath the replacement bridge. The project could also add safer access for pedestrians — a change from the narrow bridge in place now.
Crews gird for snow removal before flakes start to fall
November 27, 2012
The mercury dips a little lower as November turns to December, winter starts in mere weeks, and the agencies responsible for ensuring roads remain passable in ice and snow readied removal plans for the months ahead.
Issaquah, King County and the state prepare detailed ice and snow response plans long before the flakes start to fall. The agencies face challenges in Issaquah and the surrounding area due to steep terrain, narrow roads and limited funding.
Sammamish falls short in bid for state ferry name
November 27, 2012
The bid to name a ferry for Sammamish came up short, after state transportation officials selected other tribal names instead.
Washington Transportation Commission members selected Samish and Tokitae for the 144-car Olympic class ferries. The commission also considered Cowlitz, Hoquiam, Muckleshoot and Ivar Haglund as possible names.
The commission announced the name selection Nov. 13.
State serves Thanksgiving travel tips to motorists
November 20, 2012
Before the feast, Thanksgiving launches the holiday travel season.
The state Department of Transportation is offering numerous travel information tools for motorists headed out during the holiday weekend.
Thanksgiving weekend typically ranks among the busiest periods all year for Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass.
In the Puget Sound area, Interstate 5 and I-90 express lanes operate on a weekend schedule Nov. 22, Thanksgiving.
King County Metro Transit buses carry safety reminder for drivers
November 20, 2012
King County Metro Transit joined the state Department of Transportation, King County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol and other organizations Nov. 1 to remind motorists to move over or slow down in emergency zones.
Through the public safety campaign, buses bear posters to remind drivers to “Move Over or Slow Down,” because state law requires motorists to yield or move — or else. Under state law, motorists face a $248 fine for exceeding the speed limit in the 200 feet before and after a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights or siren engaged.
“The importance of drivers being attentive while approaching and traveling through emergency zones cannot be overstated,” Capt. Chris Gundermann, Washington State Patrol district commander, said in a statement.
Ongoing rainfall to dampen holiday, but worst is done
November 20, 2012
NEW — 6 a.m. Nov. 20, 2012
Expect continued rainfall through Thanksgiving, but not like the blustery, soggy conditions Monday.
Severe rainfall from a series of storms derailed the afternoon commute and raised flooding concerns on local waterways as more than 2 inches of rain soaked the Issaquah area. The storm caused power outages in Issaquah and Sammamish, and prompted Sammamish city officials to close Beaver Lake Preserve and Pine Lake Park due to high wind.
King County road crews spent Monday afternoon removing leaves and debris from storm drains and responding to problems. The state Department of Transportation warned motorists to prepare for waterlogged Thanksgiving travel and snow on the mountain passes.
National Weather Service meteorologists in Seattle forecast rain for Issaquah into next week, although not as bad as the Monday deluge.
The precipitation raises the prospect of localized flooding on city streets.
State serves Thanksgiving travel advice to motorists
November 19, 2012
NEW — 6 a.m. Nov. 19, 2012
Before the feast, Thanksgiving launches the holiday travel season.
The state Department of Transportation is offering numerous travel information tools for motorists headed out during the holiday weekend.
Travelers planning to hit state highways can find information on the Department of Transportation website about the times and places drivers can expect to experience Thanksgiving weekend delays, including U.S. 2, Interstate 90, and Interstate 5 at the Canadian border, and between Olympia and Tacoma.
Thanksgiving weekend is typically ranks among busiest period all year for I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass and U.S. 2 over Stevens Pass.
Deadline looms to remove roadside political signs
November 12, 2012
NEW — 10 a.m. Nov. 12, 2012
Election Day is done, but political signs continue to linger along roadsides and in yards.
The state Department of Transportation reminds landowners to remove the signs from private property along state highways.
State law allows political signs on property visible from state highways, but the signs must come down 10 days after the general election, and the 10-day period ends Friday.
Otherwise, failure to remove the political signs after being notified by the Department of Transportation can result in a misdemeanor.
Pat O’Leary, Department of Transportation highway advertising program manager, said illegal signs do not pop up often and landowners often do a good job on removal after Election Day.
Candidates’ signs raise stakes, then linger as litter
November 6, 2012
A cluster of political signs on the road shoulder vie for motorists’ attention Nov. 1 at the corner of Northwest Gilman Boulevard and state Route 900. By Greg Farrar
The emerald strip in the center of Northwest Gilman Boulevard is prime real estate for political signs, a landscaped median exposed to thousands of vehicles each day.
Unfortunately for candidates, city code prohibits campaign operatives from turning the median — and others around Issaquah — into a politician’s paradise in the run-up to Election Day.
Some passers-by regard political signs as litter, just another piece of detritus from a long and acrimonious campaign season. Others see the placards as grassroots organizing at the actual grassroots, a First Amendment affirmation.
Michele Forkner, code compliance officer for the city, treats the signs as a necessary but messy task.
State allows studded tires as winter approaches
October 30, 2012
The change in seasons means motorists can again use studded tires.
In Washington, studded tires can be legally used between Nov. 1 and March 31. Violators face a $124 penalty during other months. The abrasion on roads caused by studded tires wears down pavement at a much greater rate.
The state Department of Transportation recommends motorists headed into higher elevations carry chains and use approved traction tires year round.
In addition to studded tires, the Washington State Patrol reminds all drivers and freight haulers to carry sufficient chains between Nov. 1 and April 1.
Under state law, commercial vehicles and combinations of vehicles more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating must carry sufficient tire chains.
