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Policy, Planning, & Major Projects
Improving Mercer Corridor
Revised December 30, 2008
Moving Forward on Mercer
Environmental Assessment now available
Join us for a public hearing/open house:
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
4 – 7 p.m.
South Lake Union Armory
860 Terry Ave. N
The Environmental Assessment (EA) has just been completed and is now available for review and comment. The EA describes the project and its benefits and impacts. SDOT encourages the public to comment on the EA and is providing a number of ways for the public to do so. In addition to attending a public hearing/open house there are a number of ways to review and comment on the EA.
All comments must be received or postmarked by February 13, 2009.
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In May and again in November, 2008, the Seattle City Council voted to continue work on the project, making it possible to continue progress on the environmental documentation, final design, and right-of way acquisition. Public review of the Environmental Assessment has begun and a final determination is expected in early Spring, 2009. Final design is scheduled to be complete in the 1st Quarter, 2009. Right-of-way acquisition will be completed by 2nd Quarter, 2009 and 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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