King County official urges WSDOT to reconsider express-lane strategy during Ship Canal Bridge construction
King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn has called on the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to reevaluate its approach to express lanes during the Ship Canal Bridge construction project. Dunn's concerns arise from the decision to operate the express lanes in a one-way direction, only allowing northbound traffic for the next five months.
This arrangement has led to significant disruptions for southbound commuters, with some travel times extending beyond 90 minutes. In a letter addressed to WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith, Dunn emphasized the need for a more balanced approach.
He proposed that the department explore the possibility of reopening the express lanes to southbound traffic during a portion of the morning commute, as suggested in a recent Seattle Times article. Even if the express lanes were only accessible during early morning hours, Dunn believes this could encourage commuters to adjust their behavior, potentially improving traffic flow across the region while the bridge work is underway.
Dunn expressed his frustration, stating, 'These impacts to southbound I-5 traffic have created debilitating conditions. It's simply an untenable and unacceptable new norm for commuters.'
The KIRO Newsradio traffic reporter, Chris Sullivan, investigated the WSDOT's decision not to open the southbound express lanes, which was based on safety concerns. WSDOT officials explained that with only two lanes open on the northbound I-5 mainline, a single collision could severely disrupt traffic flow, blocking both lanes and leaving no alternative route through the city.
They maintained that maintaining northbound capacity is crucial at all times. Despite the public's frustration, WSDOT stands firm in its current traffic control strategy, prioritizing safety and consistent system management over temporary changes.
