Showing posts with label wsdot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wsdot. Show all posts

Increased fines for HOV lane violators starts Sunday

Sunday, July 28, 2019

HOV lane map
WSDOT
High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane violators will be paying higher fines starting Sunday, July 28 – including a new fine for people using a doll or dummy to try to cheat the system. 

A change to state law not only increases the existing fine, it also adds a higher fine for repeat offenders and a new fine for those who use a fake passenger in their vehicle. The new maximum fine will now be $536.

The state Legislature approved the changes during the past session. The changes apply to violations of HOV, high occupancy toll (HOT) and express toll lanes (ETL) regulations.

The changes to the law include:
  • Raising the initial violation fine from $136 to $186.
  • Creating a $336 fine for a second and subsequent repeat violations within a two-year period.
  • Adding a $200 fine for anyone caught trying to use a doll or dummy or other item to make it appear another person is in the vehicle. The $200 fine is in addition to the violation fine, creating a possible maximum fine of $536.

The new legislation states that those violating HOV lane requirements “frustrate the state’s congestion management, and justifiably incite indignation and anger among fellow transportation systems users.” In the official bill language, lawmakers described the escalating penalties as a “rebuke” to discourage repeat offenders.

HOV violators prevent HOV and other lanes from operating as intended to help traffic flow more freely.

HOV lanes are designed to maximize the movement of people rather than vehicles. They usually move more people than a general purpose lane, even when they don't look full.

Additional fines for using dummies to try
to game the system
In addition to allowing carpoolers to travel in them, HOT and ETL systems also allow drivers traveling alone to purchase a more convenient travel time by paying a toll.

More specifics about HOV, HOT and ETL times and carpool numbers are available online.

HOV violations are one of the top traffic complaints the Washington State Department of Transportation and Washington State Patrol receive. New signs will be posted along several state highways reminding travelers of the new maximum fines.

During an emphasis patrol in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties in September, WSP troopers gave out 1,671 HOV violations, including 17 drivers who were ticketed on two separate occasions and one driver who received three HOV violation tickets during the week-long emphasis patrol.

HOV violators can be reported to the WSDOT HERO program online or by calling 1-877-764-HERO (calls should be made when it is safe to do so, which might mean pulling over if necessary).



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Fall ferry vehicle reservations available Tuesday

Friday, July 26, 2019

Photo courtesy WSDOT
The first round of vehicle reservations for fall ferry sailings will go live at 7am Tuesday, July 30.
 
If you are planning ahead for trips on the Anacortes / San Juan Islands / Sidney, British Columbia or Port Townsend / Coupeville routes between September 29, 2019 and January 4, 2020 – set your alarms.

It's not your only chance. 

While the first tier opens Monday, the second tier of reservations opens two weeks before each specific sailing and the final 30 percent becomes available two days before.


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LFP City Council hiring consultant to design culvert replacements

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Lake Forest Park City Hall
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
City of Lake Forest Park City Council regular meeting Thursday, July 25, 2019, 7:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers 17425 Ballinger Way NE.


AGENDA

Ordinances and Resolutions

1. Ordinance 1195/Amendment to Civil Service Rules, LFPMC 2.40.195

2. Resolution 1741/Authorizing Mayor to Sign Agreement for Consultant Services with Gray and Osborne, Inc. to Design a Replacement for Culverts L80 and L90

Staff document (portion)

Background
Culverts L80 and L90 are immediately downstream of a collapsed private culvert that exists on private property on the west side of SR 104, north of NE 185th Street.

Immediately north of the collapsed culvert is a culvert which passes underneath SR 104, identified as L100. Culvert L100 is the responsibility of WSDOT and they are currently designing a replacement as this culvert is included in a list of culverts with fish passage shortcomings WSDOT is required to replace in accordance with a court case.

The City and WSDOT have been communicating for several years about the culverts in order to coordinate our efforts to replace the culverts in a way that results in a proper and efficient transition between the projects.

Preliminarily, there have been discussions about including L100 in a project for which LFP would be the lead agency to replace all three culverts and restoring the creek in the collapsed portion. This proposal would be very similar to that which occurred during the replacement of the Lyon Creek culverts in 2015, where the replacement of WSDOT’s culvert under SR 522 was included in the City’s culvert replacement project, with WSDOT reimbursing the City for the cost of design and construction. 

While that arrangement worked well, WSDOT has scheduled the replacement of L100 for 2021 while the City project is not expected to be ready for construction until 2022.  We are not ruling out a joint project, however, and will continue to communicate with WSDOT on this topic during design.



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I-5 express lanes closed this weekend in downtown Seattle

Friday, June 21, 2019

Contractor crews will rehabilitate about 4 miles
of southbound I-5 from Spring Street
in downtown Seattle to Lucile Street near
Boeing Field in south Seattle.


People who travel along southbound Interstate 5 in downtown Seattle should use alternate routes or plan ahead for delays this weekend as Revive I-5 roadwork continues.

Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close the HOV lane on southbound I-5 and the express lanes beginning at 9pm Friday, June 21, 2019.

These closures will give crews room to safely replace nine broken and cracked concrete panels on southbound I-5.



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Pavement repairs on Ballinger Way will cause delays Monday - Friday

Friday, May 31, 2019

People traveling through Lake Forest Park on Ballinger Way should prepare for potential traffic delays starting Monday June 3, lasting through Friday June 7, 2019. 

WSDOT maintenance crews will perform pavement repair to both the North and Southbound lanes for traffic on SR-104 (Ballinger Way) between the hours of 9:00am and 3:00pm.



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2nd tier of ferry reservations for Memorial Day weekend

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Ferry docking in the San Juans
Photo courtesy WSDOT
If you’re planning to travel on the Anacortes / San Juan Islands / Sidney, B.C. or Port Townsend / Coupeville ferry routes over the busy Memorial Day weekend, plan now for the release of the second of three tiers of vehicle reservations.
 
An additional 30 percent of vessel space is released at 7am two weeks before each specific sailing date.





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Saturday morning slowdowns on the southbound I-5 Ship Canal Bridge

If your Saturday morning plans take you south on I-5, you’ll want to be ready for lane closures and travel delays on the Ship Canal Bridge in Seattle.

Two of the four lanes across the bridge will be closed so we can make repairs in our continued effort to preserve the roadway. While we’re out there, the southbound I-5 on-ramp from Northeast 45th street will also be closed.

Saturday May 11:
  • The two right lanes of southbound I-5 on the Ship Canal Bridge will close from 3 to 11am.
  • The Northeast 45th Street on-ramp to southbound I-5 will also close from 3 to 11am.

Side note: In an effort to keep moms happy, there is no work scheduled on the Ship Canal Bridge Sunday. While that may be gift enough, you should still get her a card...

--WSDOT



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Just stay home: Mercer exit closed Monday morning

Sunday, April 28, 2019

SDOT Traffic
Upcoming road closures for Monday a.m. commute:
1) ★ I-5 SB mainline off-ramp to Mercer St will be closed 10pm tonight until further notice.
2) Mercer St b/w Fairview Ave N & Terry Ave N will be closed to EB/WB traffic.
3) Boren Ave N closed north of Mercer St.

WSDOT Traffic
The southbound I-5 mainline off-ramp to Mercer Street will close at 10 p.m. Sunday and remain closed through at least the Monday morning commute. The Seattle Department of Transportation has announced that Mercer Street will remain closed through at least the morning commute as the investigation continues into the crane collapse.

People traveling into Seattle on I-5 should expect heavy traffic and long delays, particularly southbound throughout Seattle. The Mercer Street closure also will affect northbound traffic.

Expect congestion throughout Seattle and around the greater Seattle area as people seek alternative routes. To limit the backups, people also should
  • Avoid single-occupancy vehicle use
  • Use transit, particularly light rail
  • If possible, telecommute
We know some of you don’t have a choice to use alternatives. If that is the case, plan for much longer than normal travel time.




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National Work Zone Safety Awareness week begins Monday

Friday, April 5, 2019

National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week begins Monday, April 8. 

It's a week meant to recognize highway workers who put themselves at risk every day to care for our roadways and the folks who use them.

The best way you can show your support is by slowing down through work zones and giving crews plenty of room to work each time you commute.

You can also show your support by wearing orange on Go Orange Day (Wednesday, April 10). That day is the annual Worker Memorial in Olympia to honor fallen workers and reinforce the work zone safety message.

For general tips and information about driving safely around work zones, visit the work zone safety webpage.



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Studded tire removal deadline is March 31

Monday, March 25, 2019

Starting midnight April 1, drivers with
studded tires face a $136 fine
With a record-setting winter finally in the history books, the arrival of spring means drivers in Washington have until Sunday, March 31, 2019 to remove studded tires.

The Washington State Department of Transportation reminds drivers that state law requires all studded tires to be removed by the end of the day March 31. 

Starting at midnight on Monday, April 1, drivers with studded tires face a $136 fine.

Studded tires also damage pavement, so removing them promptly after winter has passed helps preserve state roadways. Tire removal services can get crowded near the removal deadline, so please plan accordingly.

WSDOT will not extend the studded tire deadline this year, but crews continue to monitor roads, passes, and forecasts and work to quickly clear any late season snow or ice. 

Travelers are always advised to “know before you go” by checking road conditions before heading out and staying up-to-date on changes by using WSDOT’s social media and email alert tools or calling the 5-1-1 road conditions report.

Washington and Oregon share the same studded tire removal deadline. Other states may have later dates, but the Washington law applies to all drivers in the state, even visitors. No personal exemptions or waivers are issued.

More information about studded tire regulations in Washington is available online.


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Viaduct removal began last Friday

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Viaduct 2-19-19 from the Pike Place Market
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Viaduct removal began on schedule on Friday, February 15, 2019 and will take about six months.

WSDOT (Washington State Department of Transportation) is removing the Alaskan Way Viaduct from Seattle's central waterfront to make way for the City of Seattle's Waterfront Seattle Program.

This project will help transform Seattle’s waterfront while removing a vulnerable structure from our road network.

The Alaskan Way Viaduct was built in the 1950s and was damaged in the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake.

While it was strengthened and safe for daily use, the structure is seismically vulnerable. The viaduct’s role in moving people into and through downtown Seattle will be replaced by the new SR 99 tunnel and a new Alaskan Way surface street built once the viaduct is gone.

The major elements of this project are:
  • Shifting Alaskan Way to the west of the viaduct (completed in October 2018).
  • Removing the Alaskan Way Viaduct from South Dearborn Street to the Battery Street Tunnel.
  • Removing the Columbia and Seneca street ramps.
  • Building a new, temporary pedestrian bridge across Alaskan Way to Colman Dock.
  • Restoring the area where the viaduct once stood and then turning the space over to the City of Seattle's Waterfront Seattle Program.


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Sound Transit to remove 1,000 trees along track - 3,700 replacement trees will be planted - most in Ronald Bog

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Sound Transit graphic


Report from Juniper Nammi, Sound Transit Project Manager for the City of Shoreline. Part of the agenda packet for the Parks/Tree Board meeting



Sound Transit has been working with the Washington Department of Transportation to negotiate tree replacements along the light rail development corridor.

Most of the track is on the ground. Tree removal 35 feet on either side of the track is required, resulting in the removal of over 1,000 trees from Washington Department of Transportation property, City right-of-way, and from individual property. 

Approximately 2,700 native trees and over 1,000 non-native trees will be replanted to meet or exceed City of Shoreline replacement requirements.

All of the trees will come down at once in March 2019. 

Replacement trees must be planted in Shoreline. (See Sound Transit's flyer: More Transit - More Trees.)

A partnership with King Conservation District would allow funds from Sound Transit to offer a package of trees and shrubs to private land owners for a landscape buffer in areas where the code requirements for landscape buffers do not apply along the rail.

This could contribute roughly 400 additional trees in the Ridgecrest neighborhood and portions of North City and Ballinger. 

Final designs will be shown at an open house in February. The last opportunity for public comment is prior to the final issuance of permits.

Early work, expected to begin in March, involves tree removal, noise barriers, staging equipment, moving utility lines, and demolishing remaining houses.

Neighborhoods will be notified by direct mailings and articles in Currents as well as door-to-door outreach. 

Actual construction will begin mid-summer. The Board would appreciate talking points on this topic including the facts related to the project. 

Sound Transit is taking measures to survey for bird nests in existing trees and to deter initial nesting habits. The Department of Fish and Wildlife is guiding that effort. 

Comments and questions can be directed to Ms. Nammi through shorelinewa.gov/lightrailpermits



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Chain-up or pay up this winter on Snoqualmie Pass

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Photo courtesy WSDOT
Unfortunately, many drivers crossing snowy mountain passes either don’t carry chains despite it being required by law, or don’t put them on. 

For the past several years, more than half of the closures on I-90 Snoqualmie Pass have been due to vehicles ignoring a chain-up requirement and then getting into collisions and blocking lanes.

This winter WSDOT is working with the Washington State Patrol to enforce chain requirements during storms and inclement weather on Snoqualmie Pass. 

So if you’re headed over the pass, make sure you and your vehicle are prepared. Ignoring the chain requirements could cost you $500.

Here are a few reminders from WSDOT:

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Washington State Department of Transportation to be the first statewide agency to host an artist-in-residence

Saturday, November 24, 2018

An artist-in-residence will spend a year working with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to help develop new ways to achieve agency goals through a first-of-its-kind program created by ArtPlace America and Transportation for America, a program of Smart Growth America. WSDOT will be the first stage agency in the country to pilot an artist-in-residence program. 

Applications are now open for artists interested in the year-long position, which will be located within WSDOT. The call for artists and application can be found HERE

Recognized as a tool for pioneering innovative and creative solutions, artist-in-residence programs have been piloted across the nation in municipal governmental agencies, including the Los Angeles and Seattle DOTs, but never before at a statewide agency.

Several organizations collaborated on the artist-in-residence program. ArtPlace America is providing a $125,000 grant for the program, including a $40,000 stipend for the selected artist and $25,000 for a final project(s) the artist and staff develop. Transportation for America (T4A) will administer both the funds and the overall program, including providing staff and consulting assistance. The State Smart Transportation Initiative (SSTI) will also provide staff support. Both T4A and SSTI are programs of Smart Growth America.

WSDOT will supply in-kind contributions consisting of work space for the selected artist and staff time for agency workers to collaborate on the groundbreaking new program.

“Artists can provide fresh approaches and new ways of doing things, interpret complex processes, and provide unique perspectives for existing programs,” said Ben Stone, Smart Growth America’s director of arts and culture. 
"While a handful of cities have embedded artists in various departments over the years, WSDOT will be the first statewide agency to embark on such a program. We’re excited to be a part of helping Washington state harness arts and creativity to create better supported and more beloved transportation projects that help accomplish the state’s goals.”


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Work on I-5 this weekend promises to delay northbound Seattle traffic

Friday, May 18, 2018

Revive I-5 work is back in Seattle this weekend, but people throughout the region will need to plan for delays on major highways and city streets Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, primarily for northbound traffic.

In addition to northbound I-5, people using I-405, I-90 and state routes 99, 509 and 599 will see heavier traffic as travelers avoid the region’s main interstate. 

The express lanes will be open in the northbound direction all weekend, which will create backups on southbound I-5 as well.

These closures will allow contractor crews to replace concrete and the left half of nine expansion joints. Our maintenance crews will also repair aging concrete on the Ship Canal Bridge.

From 3am to noon Saturday and 3 to 10am Sunday Northbound I-5 will remain two lanes between SR 520 and NE 45th/50th Streets.

WSDOT said they saw long backups on northbound I-5 last weekend (see video), and it took drivers at least a half hour to get through the closure area. 

"We hope that if enough people stay away from northbound I-5 – by either taking alternate routes or limiting discretionary travel – we can keep the backups to a minimum."

Even when 50% of vehicles don’t use northbound I-5, all of that traffic has to go somewhere else. So that means that you should expect delays not only on the major highways in the area, but also on Seattle surface streets.



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Jobs: WSDOT

Friday, April 20, 2018

WSDOT in Shoreline always has openings. Here are some selected positions.

Office Assistant 3
Closing date May 2, 2018
The Northwest Region Headquarters office is seeking a full-time, outgoing receptionist to join our team. The Northwest Region employs more than 1,400 people and covers a geographic area from South King County to the Canadian border.
 

Assistant Landscape Architect
This position is open until filled. The first review of applications will take place on May 3, 2018.

The Assistant Landscape Architect will focus on strategically managing Puget Sound Area roadside policies, issues, programs, and services to promote transportation safety and efficiency, to preserve and restore the natural and cultural environment, and to affect the visual harmony and compatibility of functions for sustainable roadsides.

Job description and application

Executive Transportation Leader of Northwest Region
Closing date May 13, 2018

WSDOT is actively seeking a dynamic transportation executive with exceptional, proven leadership skills to serve as the next Northwest Regional Administrator based in Shoreline, WA. With a population of well over three million people, one-half of the state’s population live within the boundaries of the Northwest Region, which includes King, Snohomish, Whatcom, San Juan, Island, Skagit and portions of Pierce counties. Connecting with ferry terminals, international borders, and mountain passes, the region’s impressive infrastructure includes highway tunnels, floating bridges, movable bridges, an extensive HOV system, express toll lanes, and one of the largest intelligent transportation systems in the country.

Internally, this position is responsible for the day-to-day management of the region’s 1,100 employees, systematically fostering a work environment that promotes the agency’s mission and strategic direction, while encouraging innovative performance, quality, to plan, design, construct, operate and maintain the transportation system. Externally, the incumbent must be an effective ambassador and spokesperson for the department on transportation matters, establish strong relationships with stakeholders to build coalitions, create constituent support, and influence public opinion on issues of vital importance locally and to the State of Washington.

Job description and application



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Avoid I-5 through Seattle this weekend

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Time to fix the pavement on I-5
Photo courtesy WSDOT
If you are leaving town this weekend, don't plan on coming back through Seattle on I-5.

WSDOT warns that you can expect significant delays on I-5 in Seattle during bridge and roadway work, Friday through Monday, April 20-23. Northbound I-5 will be reduced to two lanes, and several ramps closed.

Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will reduce northbound I-5 between the West Seattle Bridge and Olive Way to replace worn and aging bridge expansion joints and rehabilitate portions of concrete on the 50-year old roadway in the work to “Revive I-5”

Overnight, a single lane will remain open.


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WSDOT extends 2018 studded tire removal deadline to April 15

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Studded tire deadline extended to Apr 15
Spring is here but the potential of some late season snow means the deadline to remove studded tires in Washington has been extended for two weeks.

The removal deadline is now by the end of the day, Sunday, April 15. Starting Monday, April 16, drivers with studded tires on their vehicles face a $136 traffic infraction.

This year’s decision was based on long-range forecasts that show the potential for significant weather, including snow that could affect cross-state travel into April.

Studded tires damage pavement each year – costing an estimated $29 million annually in additional wear and tear on state roads alone. Long-term, WSDOT continues to urge drivers to investigate alternatives such as studless winter tires, which are not subject to removal deadlines.



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Jobs: Secretary Senior for Shoreline WSDOT

Monday, March 19, 2018

WSDOT in Shoreline has an opening for a full-time, permanent Secretary Senior. 
Closing Date: 04/10/2018 11:59 PM
Recruitment #: 18DOT-NWR-10076

WSDOT’s Local Programs Office in Shoreline has a great opportunity for an energetic administrative professional. As a Secretary Senior you’ll provide a wide variety of complex secretarial and administrative support to internal staff members as well as external stakeholders and will play a pivotal role in the overall success of the office.

To view the entire posting and apply, please visit Secretary Senior




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North Cascades highway reopens after major avalanche

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

The North Cascades Highway SR20 has reopened after it was closed by a major avalanche on Sunday morning near Newhalem.

WSDOT Crews started work on Monday morning to reopen a single lane, to allow those stuck between the slide and the season closure gate to leave the area. By Monday afternoon they were able to open one lane, allowed those trapped behind the slide to leave and allow local traffic to flow.

By Tuesday afternoon they had reopened both lanes to all traffic.


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