City outlines Safe Routes to School projects, timelines and near-term crosswalk installations

Jason Skinner, chief of operations for the City of Mercer Island, reviewed eight projects in the city’s Transportation Improvement Program that are intended to improve walking and biking connections to schools.

Skinner said construction timelines stretch across the TIP six-year horizon. Projects highlighted include North Mercer Way sidewalk and curb ramps (construction planned in 2026); Southeast 40th and Gallagher Hill sidewalk improvements (anticipated in 2028 but delayed by an ongoing water-supply replacement); an east‑ and west‑side strategy on Gallagher Hill that combines sidewalk and paved shoulders; a multi-phase shared path on Huntacrest Way to improve access to Island Park Elementary and Island Crest Way; and intersection improvements at Southeast 68 and Mountaindale Parkway.

Skinner noted the city is coordinating construction of sidewalks and ramps with a separate, higher‑priority water main replacement to avoid tearing out newly finished pavement. He explained project years in the TIP generally reflect a design year followed by the construction year.

City staff said near-term work includes installing rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons (RRFBs) at crossings near Island Crest Way and Island Park Elementary; the installation has been delayed by long lead times for electrical equipment. City and district staff emphasized ongoing coordination: several projects were delayed by last year’s water emergency and will be scheduled to minimize redundant excavation.

Officials described Huntacrest Way as a corridor with mixed traffic, bikes and school movements, which requires staged safety fixes: signage, lighting and vegetation improvements followed by curb, sidewalk and shared‑path construction. Speakers said project designs are being refined and that additional design and permitting is underway before construction seasons scheduled in later TIP years.