WSDOT WABN Construction Update
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 was the beginning date of the contract between the Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Flat Iron Construction Co. This is the firm that won the contract and will build the next phase of the SR-520 replacement bridge. The scope of this project includes the West Approach Bridge-North (WABN) called “wahban”, from the pontoons to Montlake Blvd. Completion of this phase is expected in 2017.
During the next 6 months the activities you will see around our neighborhood will be preparation for building WABN. This will include:
- Installing construction fencing around the work areas and removing trees and other vegetation;
- Demolition and removal of the MOHAI building and closure of the museum parking lot;
- Removal of the “ramps to nowhere” which will require some weekend closures of 520;
- Developing a staging area adjacent to Foster Island;
- Widening the sidewalks on Montlake Blvd.
During the construction there will be regular public meetings with representatives from the construction co. and WSDOT staff. They will inform residents of construction activities and allow residents to ask questions and bring up any problems. The first meeting will be held in early October and will be posted on the Montlake community calendar. 9/29 Update: The meeting has been scheduled for October 2, 2014, 5 – 7pm -Montlake Community Center.
To keep up on WABN news you can checkout the WSDOT website: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR520Bridge/520orangepage/ and you can e-mail project staff at: SR520bridge@wsdot.wa.gov. There is a construction hot like at: 206-708-4657.
Since January, 2014, a group of neighbors has been meeting at Meditate Seattle’s Montlake studio, on Thursday mornings, for a simple 30 minute group meditation. Participants sit with eyes closed and focus on their breath, or silently repeat a simple phrase. Repeatedly bringing the attention back to a specific focus creates new neural pathways in the brain, and trains your brain to pay attention.
Arthur Lee Jacobson’s garden welcomes all visitors Sunday, September 7th from 11 til 7. Next door, urban goats will munch on an overgrown yard. Free food & drink. The place is on E Blaine, a bit uphill from 22nd, by bamboo & fire hydrant. The address (invisible) would read 2216. You can also enter 2215 E Howe, then descend 52 stairs. The garden features the state’s tallest eucalyptus tree: over 107 feet. Splendid to behold. More details are at: 
How long has it been since you made a serious effort to simplify your life? Your stuff? Take this opportunity to clear out, get rid of, share the wealth, lighten the load, create space, make room, GIVE IT UP!
SR 520 – Montlake Design Open House
