I used to live in Kirkland and was quite concerned when I discovered that N.E. 70th Street was being changed from four traffic lanes to two, with a center turn lane. The street tended to get congested during rush hour. I was sure that the change would make the street worse.

In fact, I turned out to be wrong, and happily so. The reconfigured street was not more congested. Traffic flow was improved. The street became a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly place. And the street became more beautiful, with center median strip landscaping. All in all, the N.E. 70th Street reconfiguration was an improvement to the quality of life for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and those living along N.E. 70th Street. I am glad to hear that this type of reconfiguration is being considered for Island Crest Way.

Amy Ohta