Next month the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will begin construction on the West Thomas Street Pedestrian and Bicycle Overpass that will improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists and provide them with direct access from the lower Queen Anne community to Myrtle Edwards Park. The public is invited to attend an open house to learn more about the construction of the project, including traffic detours and construction impacts.

Details of the open house are as follows:

When: May 26
Time: 5 to7 p.m.
Location: Homewood Suites
Elliott Bay Room
206 Western Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119

SDOT project staff will be available to explain design and construction details, and answer questions. There will not be a formal presentation, so participants may show up any time between 5 and 7 p.m. Complimentary parking underneath the Homewood Suites building is available by checking in at the front desk and obtaining a key card to enter the secure parking garage.

The overpass will be a new structure over Elliott Avenue West and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad tracks to Myrtle Edwards Park and will also connect a future bicycle route, the Lake Bay Loop, from South Lake Union and the Seattle Center with the bicycle trail in Myrtle Edwards Park. The $10 million project is funded by Park Levy I and II, grant funds from the Puget Sound Regional Council and King County and private donations.

This project is part of the Walk, Bike Ride initiative, giving people better transit choices and safer routes for biking and walking.

Additional project information can be found at:
http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/thomasoverpass.htm