Puget Sound Transportation Blog

From WSDOT:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/2010/02/26-awvrfp.htm
Looks like work is going ahead on the bored tunnel to replace the SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct. Unfortunately the best of a list of bad options.
Ben

From The News Tribune:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/1047052.html
Money will be used to fix issues with the line, allowing speeds of up to 100 mph for the Cascades Talgo trainsets. This will cut up to an hour off the travel time between Seattle and Portland
While many people say that projects like this are a waste of money, having traveled by […]

From WSDOT:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr99/viaductclosuresystem/
This project will build gates at all on ramps to the viaduct that will automatically close in the event of an earthquake. Since currently it can take up to 2 hours to close the viaduct (in a minor event), this is very important. There is a definite risk of collapse until the viaduct has […]

From WSDOT:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr99/its/
This project will add Intelligent Transportation Systems equipment to the SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct and corridor. This equipment will include cameras, VMS signs and light timing equipment.
The purpose for this equipment is twofold: First, it will be used to notify and reroute users in the event of accidents or a catastrophic incident […]

From WSDOT:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR520Bridge/vulnerability.htm
Interesting information from WSDOT about their plans in the event of a catastrophic collapse of the SR 520 floating bridge.
Ben

From WSDOT:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr520/pontoons/
This is a very interesting project, that now serves two purposes. The 520 bridge needs to be replaced and a plan is in the works for this replacement. However, in the interim the region is at great risk if the current bridge fails, for example in a major windstorm.
The problem is this: due to […]

From The News Tribune:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/990900.html
While there will be some costs involved, the bridge is an important link to the Port of Tacoma and an icon of the city itself. If the state hadn’t abandoned it, the work being done now wouldn’t have had to take place at all.
Ben

http://olympichostcity.vancouver.ca/gettingaround/publictransit/olympic-line/
This free demonstration trolley line will run between Granville Island and the Olympic Village Canada Line station. If this works, plans are to expand the line throughout the city.
Given the resurgence of trolleys in Tacoma, WA, Seattle, WA and many other cities this is a great idea, especially in conjunction with Vancouver’s extensive light rail […]

Along with the opening of the Canada Line from downtown to the airport and Richmond, BC, BCDOT has improved highway 99, the Sea to Sky highway, which leads from downtown Vancouver, BC to Whistler, site of most of the Olympic events:
http://www.seatoskyimprovements.ca/
I was on this road about 10 years ago headed to Whistler and I could […]