News, Politics, Transportation

Civil Engineers Give Washington a “C” on Infrastructure Report Card

Washington’s D+ subjects were roads and transit, even though, as the ASCE’s Shane Binder was quick to clarify, the state has very good track record in terms of safety — especially through its sustained reduction of highway fatalities — and a very good track record for accountability on its projects. Transit ridership, too, is far above the national average. Continue reading Civil Engineers Give Washington a “C” on Infrastructure Report Card

News, Politics, Transportation

2/3 of State Roads in Washington are Rated “Poor” or “Mediocre”

Here in Washington State, we are first in renewable energy, out of all the states. But we are faced with the unpleasant and yet unsurprising news that, with 83,505 public road miles, 67 percent of those roads are in poor or mediocre condition. Almost five percent of our bridges are rated structurally deficient. Continue reading 2/3 of State Roads in Washington are Rated “Poor” or “Mediocre”

News, Transportation

Seattle’s Worst Bridges are Part of $1.8-Billion Maintenance Backlog

The single most salient factor in a low rating, in Seattle, is age. 62 bridges are more than 60 years old, with a replacement cost that SDOT estimates at $1.5 billion. Another 20 middle-aged bridges are running short on time as well. But since 2007, the bridge maintenance budget — inadequate to begin with — has plunged by more than $400 million. Continue reading Seattle’s Worst Bridges are Part of $1.8-Billion Maintenance Backlog

News, Transportation

Foes of SR 520 Bridge-Embiggening File Opening Brief in Federal Lawsuit

The Coalition admits that “the existing 4-lane bridge is in danger of collapse” in their brief, but argues that it’s stretching truth and necessity to call the new 520 project “6-lane” when it tops out at 12 lanes (in Montlake, as it connects with various on- and off-ramps). “For instance, just east of Montlake Boulevard,” they point out, “the project’s width is approximately 250 feet.” Continue reading Foes of SR 520 Bridge-Embiggening File Opening Brief in Federal Lawsuit