As promised, the Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Flatiron Construction Co. began monthly meetings to inform the neighborhood of construction activities. The meeting began with a review of the scope of the construction during this phase (the West Approach Bridge-North project, “wahban”) which will last until 2017. This phase does not include the Montlake lid over 520 nor any of the features slated for the top of the lid. The staff reminded neighbors that the legislature has not uet funded any of these enhancements nor any construction for the road bed or the Portage Bay Bridge west of Montlake Blvd.
The WSDOT staff reported that three homeless encampments have been established in areas where construction is now taking place. The individuals who have been living in these areas were evicted by the Seattle Police Dept. and the areas have now been cleaned up.
The fence is now in place in all areas that are closed to the public. “No Trespassing” signed have been posted. The staff asked for cooperation in not moving the fences or entering the property.
Several concerns were brought to the attention of the presenters. There was a request that the meetings start at a later time when residents who work can attend. This meeting started at 4:30pm. Staff agreed to change the schedule of future meetings to a later starting time.
One resident reported that construction activities near the MOHAI building were very noisy and on going in the middle of the night. This is a violation of the city’s noise ordinance. Construction Co. staff agreed to investigate this to make sure that the noise ordinance was not being violated.
The next meeting will be held at the Montlake Community Center on Wednesday, December 3, 2014.
JGM says
Extremely loud noise! I’m on Roanoke with pretty good sound insolation (and earplugs) and woke up at 3 am to what I initially thought was someone chain-sawing in my bedroom. This went on all night, all weekend, and what I fear all week(s) long. The noise was so extreme, in addition to the drilling vibrations, that I called the non-emergency police number. The noise has persisted and I am very, very worried. This must be a violation of Seattle’s noise ordinance. I can understand this sort of noise during the day and even into the late evening, but very late at night?!
Robin Clewley says
We are new to the neighborhood, and were completely appalled by the noise this past weekend. I was encouraged by someone on this forum to call WSDOT (206) 708-4657 if I heard noise after 10 pm. I did this last night, and I was told that the city received a variance / loophole for construction after 10 pm on this project. The person who answered my call was reasonable and empathetic, and said that the calls were helpful in communicating back to the construction vendor and the city how future work needs to occur. Who knows if they will actually listen to our complaints, but I would recommend as many people as possible call this number to voice concerns.
Sleepless in montlake says
The unbearable non stop noise that has gone on for several days and throughout the entire night sounds like an uninvited industrial woodpecker that has worn out its welcome. This is an unacceptable drain on the entire community. Why must we accept this as a condition of progress ?
SK says
Two nights in a row of seriously interrupted sleep due to the noise from construction. Called 911 and was told other neighbors already had called and they were investigating. Yet it continues. Anyone know just what the noise ordinance is? Why are they getting away with this?
Beth Sanders says
Ditto lack of sleep from the construction noise. I don’t get it. There’s another bridge folks can use. Will this issue be addressed at the next meeting on Dec. 3 and what time is the meeting?
Robin Clewley says
We have just moved to the neighborhood and are incredibly concerned with the noise. Fine for the construction to happen during the day, but at 3 in the morning? How long is this going to go on?
joe says
Well
Considering WSDOT planning from past experience, I’m not surprised they did not adequately devise a suitable route
Gregoire pushed this construction through
Now we on Boyer will gave to deal with the trucks and the assortment of hi speed vehicles
Janice Rabkin says
Thanks for the update. I can’t make meetings on Wed so I hope that someone can represent my concern. Just this week a construction truck loaded with refuse from 520 drove over a newly built bulb curb at the NE corner of Boyer Aee E and 26th damaging it. One of the SDOT crew saw it. The new curb has been in place for less than one month. The question to pose: Why are those trucks using Boyer when it’s not able to handle vehicles of that size or weight?
Thanks so much,
Janice