New Parking Restrictions on Mercer Ways Could Take Effect by May 1

A public hearing concerning a City ordinance that would implement a "No Parking on Pavement Dawn to Dusk" restriction on sections of the Mercer Ways will be held at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 21. 

The ordinance is a renewed push to bolster safety along the arterial roadways, in particular for cyclists and pedestrians whose only option is to use the new shoulders installed along the roads over the last decade. In 2002, the Mercer Island City Council established the Roadside Shoulder Development Program to provide paved shoulders to increase safety for pedestrian and bicyclists along the Mercer Ways, according to a city press release. By the end of 2011, the City had paved approximately seven miles of the roadside shoulders — which feature blind corners and hairpin turns at several points.

Last November, because of concerns that cars parked on the new shoulders were abruptly forcing pedestrians and cyclists into the main roadway creating a safety concern, the City Council decided to move to implement additional parking restrictions on the Mercer Ways (Click on the images to the right of this article for maps and more information). 

The ordinance proposes the City will install "No Parking on Pavement Dawn to Dusk" signs along East Mercer Way, West Mercer Way, and portions of North Mercer Way in those places where improved, paved shoulders have been built. Assistant City Engineer Anne Tonella-Howe said the restrictions will prohibit anyone from parking vehicles on the paved shoulders during daylight hours. Exceptions for snow and ice, special events, and construction activities are addressed.

A first reading of the proposed ordinance is planned for this meeting, with a second reading and possible adoption planned for the March 5 meeting.

Several sections along the Mercer Ways are already signed for "No Parking Anytime." These existing restrictions are expected to remain in place. A section along West Mercer Way near West Mercer Elementary is currently signed for variable restricted hours on school days. This restriction would change to "No Parking on Pavement."

The new parking restrictions would go into effect 30 days after approved by the City Council and notification of the approval is given to the public. The Police Department will allow a two-week grace period for residents to adjust to the parking restriction. Enforcement of new parking restrictions would begin May 1.

For additional information or clarification, please contact Anne Tonella-Howe, Assistant City Engineer, at (206) 275-7813, or Glenn Boettcher, Assistant City Manager, at (206) 275-7802.