During the past weeks I-90 Express Lanes were closed for maintenance and the resulting congestion during peak rush-hours regularly doubled and a few times, tripled my commuting time.
In the morning, westbound congestion often began near Eastgate with traffic speeds averaging 10-15 mph until passing through Mercer Island and reaching the floating bridge; a couple of times congestion continued to Seattle.
In afternoon rush-hour, I tried both on-ramp approaches from I-5 to Eastbound I-90, and from Rainier Avenue onto Eastbound I-90 – there were significant backups onto I-5 and Rainier Avenue, and stop-and-go speeds up to 10 mph to and through the tunnel until the floating bridge; then there’s often congestion through Mercer Island.
A writer’s recent statement that “Light rail will increase vehicle delay on the bridge by a third during peak commute times” was proven. I’m groaning with anticipation of the shutdown of the I-90 main line this coming July which at best will provide a repeat or likely worse conditions than those we just experienced.
In this context I fully share the view that “Sound Transit officials downplay the negative impact light rail will have on traffic congestion…” The congestion just experienced and to be experience in July happens with relatively lighter seasonal traffic and during a regional economic downturn. Logically, when higher traffic volume returns after Labor Day and with an economic recovery, such peak traffic conditions will worsen.
The point of this letter is to draw attention to the fact that funding has been justified from local, county, state and federal agencies to rebuild a scant few mile section of the Seattle Viaduct, which I strongly suspect carries far less traffic than I-90.
I don’t have access to traffic statistics comparing the Viaduct to I-90, but if it confirms my suspicions, in fact there would be good argument for a dedicated light rail bridge. Otherwise, I-90 Express Lanes would be removed from vehicular traffic, imposing permanent and worsening traffic congestion upon residents of Mercer Island, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Sammamish, Maple Valley, North Bend, not to mention all regional business and interstate commercial traffic that rely on this crucial east-west state arterial.
Compare that affect to those interests that use the scant few mile section of the Seattle Viaduct. My argument then, is if this Eastside Rail Link is to become reality, it is obviously justifiable that a dedicated rail bridge be built. Otherwise, our local and regional businesses will be adversely affected, pollution increased from the stop-and-go traffic and area quality-of-life negatively impacted.
John Chao, Bellevue
