East Marginal Way Project Will Benefit Freight, Motorists, Cyclists, Pedestrians

Joint release with the Seattle Department of Transportation

Ground was broken today on a Duwamish area transportation project that will improve freight mobility and business access as well as offer safety and convenience advantages to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

The East Marginal Way Grade Separation Project will route trucks and general vehicle traffic up and over railroad tracks just south of the Spokane Street corridor. When completed in late 2009, the project will eliminate traffic delays on East Marginal Way caused by trains crossing at grade level.

"This is a project we've been looking forward to for a long time," said Port of Seattle Commission President John Creighton. "As one of dozens of FAST Corridor projects, it highlights the successful partnerships we've built with cities, ports, counties, the state and the railroads. Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Jim McDermott deserve special thanks for helping to put together funding for the project."

"The beauty of this project is that it helps keep goods and services moving efficiently through Seattle while improving pedestrian and bike safety," said Mayor Greg Nickels. "I'd like to thank our local, state and congressional delegations for helping us keep Seattle moving." FAST Corridor, a freight-mobility and traffic enhancement program with elements stretching from Tacoma to Everett, consists primarily of projects that raise roadways above at-grade rail crossings, allowing trains, trucks and cars to move more effectively and efficiently.

"By itself, this project will improve traffic in the immediate vicinity," said Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani. "Collectively, FAST Corridor projects help keep the trade and transportation industries in the Puget Sound region competitive and a vital part of our economy."

"We're proud to be a project partner," said Seattle Department of Transportation Director Grace Crunican. "Working together, we can keep Seattle a hub for trucks, trains, ships, and jobs."

The $20 million construction cost of the project is funded by a coalition of public and private partners including: the Port of Seattle, City of Seattle, Washington State Department of Transportation, Puget Sound Regional Council, the Washington State Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board, the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board, and the Federal Highway Administration, BNSF Railway Company and the Union Pacific Railroad