Kent drivers can expect several major projects to impact their commutes this fall.
• James Street
In order to provide a safer route for pedestrians, crews will repair failing portions of the sidewalks on both the north and south sides of James Street between Clark Avenue to 102nd Avenue Southeast. The work requires removal of the existing trees.
Public Works Director Tim LaPorte said trees planted decades ago have caused the sidewalks to buckle, posing a tripping hazard to pedestrians.
“We’re making the sidewalks more usable for walkers,” LaPorte said in a city media release. “While we hate to remove the existing trees, they’ll be replaced by a type of tree that is less likely to cause sidewalk damage.”
Motorists should expect weekday curb lane closures on James Street between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Pedestrians should expect sidewalk and crosswalk closures during their removal and replacement; however, access for local resident will be maintained. The work is anticipated to be complete by late next summer.
• Canyon Drive
Crews will grind and place asphalt on Canyon Drive between Weiland Street and 101st Avenue Southeast, impacting vehicle travel at night from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sept. 7-10. Drivers should expect lane closures and travel time delays on Canyon Drive and surrounding cross streets.
• 64th Avenue South
Southbound travel along 64th Avenue South will intermittently close between South 226th Street and South 228th Street while undersized culverts along a drainage channel are replaced. Detour signage is in place to direct traffic around the construction area. Work is scheduled to finish at the end of September.
• SE 240th Street
Crews will begin work in latter part of September to stabilize the slope and restore a portion of Southeast 240th Street between 144th Avenue Southeast and 146th Place Southeast. The failing slope has caused progressive damage to the road. With work estimated to be finished by the end of October, the roadway will be closed and detour signage will be provided around the work area.
Construction schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather, equipment problems or emergency situations.
Drivers are encouraged to sign up for traffic advisory alerts at DriveKent.com, which includes the ability to have traffic alerts sent directly to your email address. DriveKent.com offers information about lane restrictions, flagger control or road closures due to roadway construction in Kent. You will also receive roadway impacts due to snow and ice.
Talk to us
Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.
To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.
