I-5 on-ramp construction still a go

Construction plans to extend the Interstate-5 southbound on-ramp at Lakeway Drive, led York residents to speak out and request a safety and sound wall also be built at the time of construction. Construction is scheduled to start this coming summer.
Neighborhood residents have been working night and day, for the past few months, to get their concerns heard by the Washington State Department of Transportation and the City.
According to Lisa Anderson, York Neighborhood Association Treasurer, in the Spring 2010 edition of The Yorker, on April 26, residents took their concerns and requests to the City Council meeting. Residents voiced their concern for those who live close to the area of construction and requested a delay in order to give the neighborhood and the WSDOT more time to work something out.
Their request was denied. Construction will begin as scheduled.
The WSDOT has agreed, however, to install a guardrail and jersey barriers along the on-ramp. The length of the barriers has not yet been determined. The WSDOT have also agreed to install some plants along the Humboldt Street retaining wall, which will help reduce graffiti in that area.
At this point, construction is still out for a bid and no exact plans have been finalized.
Residents plan on continuing to work with the WSDOT, in hopes that a larger, full-length wall be built in the future.

For more information regarding this issue and possible ways of getting involved, please check out the following links:
The York Neighborhood Association website (to view the Spring 2010 edition of The Yorker or contact information for board members in order to get involved)

The Washington State Department of Transportation website – Bellingham Ramp Reconstruction Project

“Reconstruction of I-5 On-Ramp Affects Residents”