As part of Mercer Island’s ongoing Town Center redevelopment, city crews completed installation of the 76th Avenue Southeast mid-block crosswalk between Southeast 24th and 27th streets on Oct. 6.

The crosswalk — which features a pedestrian-activated rectangular rapid flashing beacon signal, center median, ADA curb ramps and crosswalk markings — is now fully functional and open to the public.

“This new connection improves pedestrian safety and walkability within Town Center, and offers an additional crossing for folks of all ages and abilities,” reads a city press release.

The project was financed with Sound Transit Mitigation funds and the estimated budget was $65,000 in 2021 and $203,704 in 2022, according to the city website.

City contractor to safely remove unhealthy trees

The city noted that its contractor, Alex’s Tree Service LLC, will begin work the week of Oct. 17 to safely remove six unhealthy trees in the right of way and Clarke Beach Park.

“These trees have a history of limbs breaking onto sidewalks, roads, and vital utilities, and continue to pose an unacceptable level of risk for public area and park users,” reads a press release.

The city added that its tree assessor staffers, who are tree risk assessment qualified by the International Society of Arboriculture, strive to retain trees whenever possible through corrective pruning and improving tree health. Last year, the city replanted 10 trees for every one that needed to be removed.

For more information, visit https://www.mercerisland.gov/cpd/page/tree-permits