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Jul
29
Posted by James Lupori
Here is an artist’s concept of the new Evergreen Floating Bridge which is scheduled to open in 2014. It’s going to be a stunning structure with commuter lanes, 2 regular lanes, extra space on both sides for emergencies and (this is my favorite part) a lane for pedestrians and bicycles. Some estimates for it’s construction run in the $4 Billion range. It’s going to be one expensive project and the state legislature is asking the public how best to pay for it. It’s very likely that commuters will have to pay a toll to cross the bridge. The current 520 bridge was paid for with traditional tollbooths starting in 1963. The last toll was paid in 1979 and the tollbooths were removed. Quite a success story in it’s day. When the last toll was collected, four times as many vehicles were crossing the bridge each day, compared to when it first opened.
Fast forward to 2008. Things are far more complicated today. As the region has grown, the 520 Bridge has become a critical gateway for a huge number of commuters. Will these motorists gladly pay the proposed toll and continue to use the bridge? One negative outcome of the toll may be increased traffic through Kenmore as motorists attempt to avoid paying the toll. Anyone familiar with the 522 corridor through Bothell, Kenmore and Lake Forest Park (Bothell Way) knows that traffic is already a mess. The prospect of even more traffic congestion should be a wake-up call to us all.
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Jun
28
Posted by James Lupori
My wife and I did our weekly 1/2 Lake Washington bicycle ride this morning and ended at the official opening of the new Burke-Gilman Trail underpass in Kenmore. The event was actually quite a surprise. In attendance were: Kenmore’s Mayor, David Baker; King Co. Executive, Ron Sims; 32nd District’s Representative, Maralyn Chase; King County Councilman Bob Ferguson and Steve Gorcester of the WA State Transportation Improvement Board.
It was a perfect day for the “grand opening.”
There was a small yet enthusiastic group of cyclists and residents for the celebration and ribbon cutting:
Representative Maralyn Chase & King County Executive Ron Sims
The real highlight for me was meeting King Co. Executive, Ron Sims. I had an opportunity to chat briefly with him regarding the Brighwater Project, the new underpass and the importance of government and the private sector working together to help modernize and improve our communities.
My wife, Virginia, Ron Sims and the author!
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Jun
22
Posted by James Lupori
My wife and I rode our tandem bicycle through the new Burke-Gilman Trail underpass at NE Bothell Way and 73rd Ave NE yesterday. I can’t even begin to tell you how thrilled we were. Now, you may wonder why this is such a big deal so I’ll tell you: this particular intersection in Kenmore has been a point of irritation between bicyclists and motorists for years. It’s as if the transportation gods got together and said, “Where can we create a focal point for anger, frustration and ill will? Oh, that’s easy, just stick bicyclists and cars together at a dangerous intersection and there you go!”
The official opening of the underpass will be next Saturday, June 28th. My wife (pictured above with our tandem) and I will be there and we hope to see all of you trail enthusiasts.
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May
02
Posted by James Lupori
My wife and I are avid bicyclists. We’ve been riding on the Burke Gilman Trail for over 20 years and I can’t begin to tell you how thrilled the bicycle community is about the new trail underpass at Bothell Way and 73rd Ave. NE in Kenmore. Just click on the map above for a more detailed description of the location.
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May
02
Posted by James Lupori
The new Burke Gilman Trail underpass is truly amazing. Over the past several months it’s been fascinating to watch the progress of the project. I’m not an engineering-type, but this is a thing of beauty……..really!
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May
02
Posted by James Lupori
For all of you bicyclists, walkers, joggers, etc. this is really cool!
