On Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014, the regular monthy meeting of the WSDOT and the Flat Iron Construction Co. leaders met with Montlake residents. The teams reviewed the November construction activities and reported on plans for December and January. The activities from the November weekend when 520 was closed to allow removal of the “ramps to nowhere” was discussed. The team received many complaints from neighbors awaken in the middle of the night by excessive noise. The noise was ecessive because a very large jack hammer, that is only to be used during daytime hours was used by mistake, in violation of the noise limits. The teams apologized for this mistake and tried to assure residents that it would not happen again. Because of this mistake the city has revoked the noise ordinance waivers it had previous issued.
Work to remove the ramps progresses very slowly because the contractor is not allowed to let any debris fall into the wetlands. That means the pillars must be wrapped so all dust and cement debris can be collected and disposed of off site.
Much of the November work focused on tree removal in the path of the new, wider exit ramp from west bound 520 to north bound Montlake Blvd. December and January work will be on the exit ramp from the Portage Bay Bridge to Montlake Blvd (the “Hop-In exit”) which will be widened to 3 lanes. This work will necessitate closure of 1 lane on the exit ramp which will occur during nightime construction.
Sidewalk work on the east side of Montlake Blvd. will begin soon to widen and smooth the pathway for bikes and walkers. This work will be coordinated with city arborist staff to ensure that sidewalk trees, including the roots will not be damaged.
Complaints were raised about the frequent noise of the trucks driving in reverse. The construction team said that the noise could be changed to a lower intensity alarm. This was done during construction of the east end of the bridge in Bellevue. They agreed to make this change as soon as possible.
The next meeting will be held at the Graham Visitors’ Center at the Arboretum, on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 from 5:30 to 6:30.
Visit the Montlake.Net Everything 520 Page for updates and meeting notes.
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