Redmond to Sound Transit: We want Link!
Yesterday, I attended a multi-hour Sound Transit workshop held at Redmond City Hall to gather community input on the forthcoming East Link project, a new light rail line the agency is planning to build which will connect Seattle with Bellevue, Mercer Island, and Redmond via Interstate 90.
The Redmond workshop was the last in a series of several Sound Transit has held - each focusing on a different segment of the proposed East Link line. Ours focused on the last segment (E) which begins at Redmond's Overlake Transit Center (in the heart of the Microsoft campus) and ends in downtown Redmond.
While Sound Transit officials are confident they can reach at least the Overlake neighborhood in the initial phase of construction, they're not sure it will be possible to extend it out to Redmond at the same time. But they're not ruling it out. Construction could occur if funding and cost savings become a reality.
It's a smart move not to over promise. We'd certainly rather be pleasantly surprised in the future than feel cheated if the stars didn't align.
Nevertheless, Sound Transit is gathering info about the Overlake to Redmond segment now, in the event it can be built simultaneously or quickly after the rest of East Link. That was the purpose of holding the workshop.
It began with a detailed presentation about light rail, an overview of the East Link project, and introductions. Then participants split into breakout groups to study and comment on the proposal before coming together again for a final session to share findings and themes.
The agency presented three alternatives (or variations) of Segment E for workshop participants to consider.
All the alternatives begin by following the same route along the east side of SR 520 as it approaches the city's main commercial district - until the West Lake Sammamish Parkway exit. There each splits off from the others on aerial track.
Above: The Final Segment E Alternatives to be Evaluated in the Detailed Environmental Impact Statement, Due in 2009
Alternative E1 crosses over the highway and follows West Lake Sammamish Parkway as it turns into 154th Avenue going north, then crosses over the road and the adjacent Sammamish River to land on the Burlington Northern Sante Fe right of way (which is an abandoned railway King County is attempting to acquire).
It follows the BNSF line (at grade) for a little over a mile before terminating in southeast Redmond with two stations: one at Redmond Town Center and the other along Redmond Way just before it becomes Redmond Fall City Road.
Alternative E4 is similar to E1 with one major difference - it cuts across 520 and the Sammamish River more quickly by following Leary Way north. Construction of the E4 alternative would disturb a greenbelt separating the river from Redmond Town Center and would likely not fit aesthetically into the environment. It would have the same stations as E1 (described above).
Alternative E2, however, is much different. It follows SR 520 past the Parkway exit, and only passes over the eastbound offramp of the highway as it heads across the Sammamish River into the northern edge of Marymoor Park. It descends until it's at grade about a fourth of the way into the park perimeter.
E2's first station is in southeast Redmond, just outside Marymoor, conveniently near the Velodrome and on property that the agency is eying for a new park and ride as well as a Link maintenance facility. E2 then loops around (like a trail switchback) crossing SR 520 just south of Redmond Way, where it descends to ground level as it joins the BNSF right of way.
Like E4 and E1, E2 has a station at Redmond Town Center as it passes through downtown on the old BNSF railway. Once past Leary Way, E2 veers north and ends with a final station at the Redmond Park and Ride, located along 83rd Street NE.
E2 is preferred by the city, and as it turns out, apparently the city's residents as well. I learned at the conclusion of the workshop that nearly all my fellow participants agreed the E2 alternative was by far the top choice. It has the most stations (3), it's the best fit for the needs of the greater Redmond community, and it does not impact as many sensitive areas.
The overarching theme of the workshop, however, was a simple yet prevalent message from residents to Sound Transit: get light rail out to us, and do it as quickly as you can. The sentiment was very clear - it was mentioned in almost every breakout group report.
As I wrote at the beginning of the month:
East Link isn't an attractive project for those who only want new freeway lanes, but it's time elected leaders stopped worrying about or listening to the few demanding (and vocal) obstructionists who insist we subsidize more pavement.
The Eastside is ready to pay for light rail, tolerate construction of the line, and very eager to ride. Given the demand for Link, it's no surprise the workshop was well attended. The turnout was also diverse - there were representatives from business (Microsoft, the Chamber of Commerce), commuters tired of fighting traffic, retired and disabled citizens, stay at home mothers, and so on.
The workshop was well staffed and well organized. A variety of tasty refreshments were provided, along with take-home info packets and brochures. Placards were set up in the City Hall lobby with large maps, diagrams, and visual explanations of the project and the technology for participants to look over.
I was delighted to have the opportunity to attend, and on behalf of NPI, I commend Sound Transit for its vigorous public outreach.
Seeking detailed input from the public is money and time well spent.
We hope the Board understands and appreciates how much we out here in Redmond are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Link, and we hope Segment E can be built as part of the initial project phase rather than as an extension.
We just can't wait to ride the wave.
The Redmond workshop was the last in a series of several Sound Transit has held - each focusing on a different segment of the proposed East Link line. Ours focused on the last segment (E) which begins at Redmond's Overlake Transit Center (in the heart of the Microsoft campus) and ends in downtown Redmond.
While Sound Transit officials are confident they can reach at least the Overlake neighborhood in the initial phase of construction, they're not sure it will be possible to extend it out to Redmond at the same time. But they're not ruling it out. Construction could occur if funding and cost savings become a reality.
It's a smart move not to over promise. We'd certainly rather be pleasantly surprised in the future than feel cheated if the stars didn't align.
Nevertheless, Sound Transit is gathering info about the Overlake to Redmond segment now, in the event it can be built simultaneously or quickly after the rest of East Link. That was the purpose of holding the workshop.
It began with a detailed presentation about light rail, an overview of the East Link project, and introductions. Then participants split into breakout groups to study and comment on the proposal before coming together again for a final session to share findings and themes.
The agency presented three alternatives (or variations) of Segment E for workshop participants to consider.
All the alternatives begin by following the same route along the east side of SR 520 as it approaches the city's main commercial district - until the West Lake Sammamish Parkway exit. There each splits off from the others on aerial track.
Above: The Final Segment E Alternatives to be Evaluated in the Detailed Environmental Impact Statement, Due in 2009
Alternative E1 crosses over the highway and follows West Lake Sammamish Parkway as it turns into 154th Avenue going north, then crosses over the road and the adjacent Sammamish River to land on the Burlington Northern Sante Fe right of way (which is an abandoned railway King County is attempting to acquire).
It follows the BNSF line (at grade) for a little over a mile before terminating in southeast Redmond with two stations: one at Redmond Town Center and the other along Redmond Way just before it becomes Redmond Fall City Road.
Alternative E4 is similar to E1 with one major difference - it cuts across 520 and the Sammamish River more quickly by following Leary Way north. Construction of the E4 alternative would disturb a greenbelt separating the river from Redmond Town Center and would likely not fit aesthetically into the environment. It would have the same stations as E1 (described above).
Alternative E2, however, is much different. It follows SR 520 past the Parkway exit, and only passes over the eastbound offramp of the highway as it heads across the Sammamish River into the northern edge of Marymoor Park. It descends until it's at grade about a fourth of the way into the park perimeter.
E2's first station is in southeast Redmond, just outside Marymoor, conveniently near the Velodrome and on property that the agency is eying for a new park and ride as well as a Link maintenance facility. E2 then loops around (like a trail switchback) crossing SR 520 just south of Redmond Way, where it descends to ground level as it joins the BNSF right of way.
Like E4 and E1, E2 has a station at Redmond Town Center as it passes through downtown on the old BNSF railway. Once past Leary Way, E2 veers north and ends with a final station at the Redmond Park and Ride, located along 83rd Street NE.
E2 is preferred by the city, and as it turns out, apparently the city's residents as well. I learned at the conclusion of the workshop that nearly all my fellow participants agreed the E2 alternative was by far the top choice. It has the most stations (3), it's the best fit for the needs of the greater Redmond community, and it does not impact as many sensitive areas.
The overarching theme of the workshop, however, was a simple yet prevalent message from residents to Sound Transit: get light rail out to us, and do it as quickly as you can. The sentiment was very clear - it was mentioned in almost every breakout group report.
As I wrote at the beginning of the month:
The region, especially the Eastside (where NPI is headquartered), is hungry for light rail, and the Phase II package looks mighty appetizing.The public is willing to invest in a rail system that's green, flexible, runs on versatile technology, and is proven to be effective. Because these electric trains will operate in their own right of way, they can't get stuck in traffic (unlike buses) and are therefore able to provide fast, smooth, and reliable service - which is hugely important for commuters.
East Link isn't an attractive project for those who only want new freeway lanes, but it's time elected leaders stopped worrying about or listening to the few demanding (and vocal) obstructionists who insist we subsidize more pavement.
The Eastside is ready to pay for light rail, tolerate construction of the line, and very eager to ride. Given the demand for Link, it's no surprise the workshop was well attended. The turnout was also diverse - there were representatives from business (Microsoft, the Chamber of Commerce), commuters tired of fighting traffic, retired and disabled citizens, stay at home mothers, and so on.
The workshop was well staffed and well organized. A variety of tasty refreshments were provided, along with take-home info packets and brochures. Placards were set up in the City Hall lobby with large maps, diagrams, and visual explanations of the project and the technology for participants to look over.
I was delighted to have the opportunity to attend, and on behalf of NPI, I commend Sound Transit for its vigorous public outreach.
Seeking detailed input from the public is money and time well spent.
We hope the Board understands and appreciates how much we out here in Redmond are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Link, and we hope Segment E can be built as part of the initial project phase rather than as an extension.
We just can't wait to ride the wave.
