All drivers should be aware that eastbound I-90 will be detoured to the express lanes from 11:00pm on Friday, May 1 to 5:00am Monday, May 4, 2015. [Note: this detour typically creates far less impact to Island drivers than westbound closures.]

To Mercer Island from Seattle: Drivers can exit the express lanes at Island Crest Way or 77th Avenue Southeast.

From Mercer Island to Bellevue: Drivers can enter the regular eastbound roadway at Island Crest Way or East Mercer Way.

I-90 Trail: There are no impacts to cyclists and pedestrians using the I-90 trail during the weekend closure.

This is the fourth of approximately 30 weekend work closures over the next two years while the state builds bus and carpool lanes next to the regular I-90 lanes, so that the center roadway can be dedicated to Sound Transit light rail construction in 2017.

Click here for WSDOT I-90 Detour page and map.

Run Like a Girl Event: Registration Extended to May 15

Click for more event information

The registration for the new Run Like a Girl fun run event has been extended to May 15: register now to get the T-shirt size you want!

Calling all girls, ladies and women: dress up for fun, and run (or walk) through beautiful Luther Burbank Park while the guys cheer you on. Food from Homegrown Sandwiches, complimentary goodie bags, treats, and T-shirts for all participants; no chips or bibs will used.

When: Saturday, May 16, 10:00am

Where: Luther Burbank Park, Mercer Island

Cost: $15-$20

Registration: Click here and enter course #15551 (or call 206-275-7609)

Waiver: Download waiver form and Email to miparks@mercergov.org or drop off at the Community and Event Center.

More details and course map available here. The City thanks sponsors Windermere Real Estate, and Kitchen Plus.

A Look at Undergrounding PSE Power Lines

Power restoration; click for more info on powerlines and undergrounding

One of the benefits of the milder winter this year was a relative lack of significant windstorms leading to power outages on the Island. However, residents will recall some high wind events, and significant outages (due to fallen trees) occurred over weekends on October 25, 2014, as well as February 7, 2015.

The Island's electricity provider, Puget Sound Energy (PSE), trims hotspot areas annually, and also undertakes much larger preventative clearing projects on a longer multi-year cycle. However, the option also exists to move power transmission lines underground in order to avoid damage from falling trees, but this choice comes at great cost.

According to PSE research, the cost to construct underground transmission lines is two to three million dollars per mile, compared to 600 to 800,000 dollars per mile for overhead lines. Per Washington State rules, if an overhead route is viable, the additional cost to accomplish undergrounding must be borne by the group requesting the project.

In addition, burying lines in an existing, established neighborhood can be even more expensive due to the extensive vegetation clearing required for trenching and then the subsequent concrete and asphalt work. For this reason, PSE finds that most older neighborhoods exploring the undergrounding of their power distribution lines ultimately decide against the added cost. The City has also explored participating in cost-sharing arrangements with PSE to underground some specific segments of the higher voltage transmission line network.

Mercer Island Goes Green

EV Buses on the Horizon

Downtown Seattle test ride; click for more information from King County

Even with the recent series of bus service cuts in the region, King County Metro must constantly replace buses as they reach the end of their service life.

After upgrading to hybrid-electric models ten years ago, Metro is now exploring the options for an even more energy-efficient fleet: battery electric buses. These models function in the same way as a plug-in passenger EV, such has the Nissan Leaf. Although the upfront price is slightly more, the energy-efficiency of electric motors leads to significant cost savings over the life of the vehicle, and greatly reduces emissions since most of the power source will be clean hydropower from regional dams. Buses can travel up to 23 miles then recharge in just five to ten minutes.

Local transit and sustainability staff had a chance to ride on a demonstration model last week in Seattle, and all noted the lack of usual bus engine noise. Three 40-foot EV buses will likely begin revenue service in late summer, and the testing will determine suitability for Metro's routes. Some transit agencies in other parts of the country have already been using similar battery electric buses for several years. Smaller 20-seater versions, currently in design phase, may be suitable for future Mercer Island shuttle service.

Changes to I-405 Carpool Lanes

The new Good to Go Pass is switchable; click to learn more

After more than a decade of planning, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) recently introduced the Good To Go! Flex Pass for I-405 travel between Bellevue and Lynnwood.

Later this year, express toll lanes will open along this 17-mile stretch of highway, providing any driver the choice of a reliable on-time trip by paying a toll. Transit, vanpools and carpools meeting the occupancy requirement will still be able to use the lanes for free, but must acquire a new version of the customary Good to Go! automatic payment pass.

Learn more from WSDOT here.

For questions and comments on the MI Weekly, contact
Sustainability & Communications Manager Ross Freeman at

ross.freeman@mercergov.org or 206.275.7662.