The City Council voted today, 6 to 3, to lift remaining spending restrictions on the Mercer Corridor and allow construction to begin.

The project will create a two-way Mercer Street complete with vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian modifications, as well as a tree-lined median and on-street parking. The changes are meant to increase walkability and safety along a narrower Valley Street, improve freight access to the Ballard and Interbay neighborhoods, and keep traffic moving between SR-99 and Interstate-5.

“The Mercer Mess has been studied and re-studied for over 40 years," said Council member Jan Drago, chair of the Transportation Committee, in a statement from the city. "This collaborative project improves safety on the corridor for all modes of travel, and I’m pleased we’re finally ready to give it a green light and get it built.”

Council members Sally Clark, Tom Rasmussen and Nick Licata voted against the bill.

The project is a product of years of discussion by the city and the Mercer Corridor Stakeholder group, which is comprised of representatives from freight, neighborhood, business, and pedestrian
and bicycle communities. The resulting project represents a workable solution which addresses all types of accessibility.

The design of the Mercer Corridor Project is complete, and with spending limits lifted, construction is scheduled to begin this summer.

The City of Seattle will use a variety of funding sources including regional appropriations, private contributions, and a portion of Bridging the Gap funds allotted for major capital projects. In addition, with the project ready to begin within 180 days, it qualifies for Federal Economic Stimulus funding.

“The Mercer Corridor Project is about more than congestion relief. It unites neighborhoods and creates a link between the lake, Seattle Center, and the central waterfront," said council member Tim Burgess. "It establishes new bicycle and pedestrian paths. And it will create a wonderful gateway to Lake Union Park.”