UPDATE: This post has been updated since it was first published. A link to Seattle Transit Blog has been added.
Two meetings are taking place this month (one this week on Wednesday, one later) that focus on the impact I-5 and 520 have on Eastlake:
- Eastlake Community Council public meeting, 7-9 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 3, Seward School, 2500 Franklin Ave. E.: This ECC public meeting offers neighborhood residents a chance to talk with representatives from the Washington State Department of Transportation about freeway noise abatement programs, opening a trail between Colonnade Park and downtown, decorating I-5 columns and the latest proposals on the SR520 expansion.
The state has built noise walls along I-5 in Eastlake in recent years. The ECC is wondering if more noise walls can be added. The state is also studying whether sound-absorbing materials might help cut the roar of traffic on the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge (see our video below). Expect these topics to be discussed at Wednesday's meeting. - WSDOT hearing and open house on SR520, 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 23, Naval Reserve Building at Lake Union Park, 860 Terry Ave. N.: The WSDOT will be having an environmental hearing on the SR520 bridge expansion project on Feb. 23. Anyone who is interested is invited. You can speak to a court reporter at the event to have your comments recorded.
The draft environmental impact statement on the project can be seen on the WSDOT Web site. If you'd like more information, e-mail SR520Bridge_SDEIS@wsdot.wa.gov. Comments on the supplemental draft EIS must be received by March 8.
The debate over the future of the 520 project has been heating up. The Seattle Times reports that Gov. Gregoire this afternoon blasted a plan put forth this morning by Mayor Mike McGinn, State House Speaker Frank Chopp and others to have dedicated transit lanes on a new 520 bridge in place of high-occupancy vehicle lanes.
The Seattle Transit Blog has a good wrapup of coverage of Monday's 520 events here.
