Commuters park at former bowling alley

Commuters parking in Coupeville before catching the bus to work have a new place to leave their cars. A temporary park-and-ride lot is now open in the parking lot of the former bowling alley on Terry Road. It will remain in use until the new one on South Main Street is built.

Commuters parking in Coupeville before catching the bus to work have a new place to leave their cars.

A temporary park-and-ride lot is now open in the parking lot of the former bowling alley on Terry Road. It will remain in use until the new one on South Main Street is built.

Martha Rose, Island Transit executive director, said the bowling alley site is still on the bus route and was the best place for a temporary lot.

Commuters will use the bowling alley until the new transit park on South Main Street is complete. Plans call for 53-car lot placed in what Rose described as a park-like setting. She pointed out the new lot will also have rain gardens installed and part of the lot’s surface will be comprised of pervious pavers.

The permanent transit park is located across the street from Coupeville Elementary School. It will be next to four privately-financed office buildings that are presently under construction.

Rose said she doesn’t know exactly when construction of the new lot will begin. Work on the two buildings, along with the driveway to the lot, has to be finished first. She said construction could begin next spring.

Island Transit is preparing to advertise for bids from construction companies. She said the entire project is expected to cost between $325,000 and $350,000.