Construction has been extended to Sept. 22 at 72nd Avenue South and South 212th Street due to an unexpected water main leak that needed to repaired as well as resulting repairs to damaged roadway.

Access to 72nd Avenue South both north and south at South 212th Street will be closed to allow the rebuilding of the asphalt roadway pavement with new concrete cement pavement, according to city Public Works staff. Drivers should follow posted detour routes.

East and west travel on S. 212th will remain open between West Valley Highway and 76th Avenue South, but significant lane restrictions will be in place, shifting regularly as new construction progresses. Alternate east west routes are advised, either South 228th Street to the south or South 196th Street to the north.

City officials remind drivers detours are not allowed through the adjacent businesses per Kent City Code 9.36.030 and enforceable by law:

Avoidance of intersection, penalty.

A. It is unlawful for any person operating a motor vehicle on the highways of the city to turn such vehicle either to the right or to the left upon approaching or leaving intersections and to proceed across any private property for the purpose of avoiding the intersection or any traffic control device controlling the intersection, unless so directed by lawful authority.

B. A violation of this section shall be a traffic infraction punishable by a monetary penalty of one hundred dollars ($100).

South 212th Street lane closure

Drivers can expect alternating lane closure on South 212th Street between 96th Avenue South and the State Route 167 overpass (near Winco) from Sept. 18 through mid-November.

The closures are from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Crews will work in the roadway in both the east and west bound directions. Work dates and times are subject to change with alternating day and night.