Kent’s East Hill drivers will have an additional left turn lane by spring from southbound 108th Avenue Southeast to eastbound Southeast 208th Street.
A second left turn lane for southbound to eastbound traffic will improve traffic flow and increase safety by reducing traffic backups and blocked driveways, according to city staff. The project also includes new curbs, gutters, sidewalks and traffic signal improvements.
“There’s congestion on a daily basis,” Councilwoman Dana Ralph said about the intersection. “Everyone who travels through there will be grateful.”
The nearly $1.3 million project will be paid for with a $700,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation through its Highway Safety Improvement Program, a federal grant for $419,000 and an estimated $200,000 from the city’s Transportation Impact Fees, according to Public Works Committee city documents. The city charges the Transportation Impact Fees up front to new developments (retail and residential) as well as when pre-existing structures see a major change in use.
Crews have started work on the project. The streets will remain open to traffic and emergency vehicles during construction; temporary lane closures will be necessary. Businesses will be open and accessible during construction. The streets will be bumpy and dusty.
The City Council this month approved a contract for $130,500 to hire consultant KBA, Inc., of Bellevue, to provide construction management services for the project. The cost of that contract is part of the overall budget for the new turn lane.
In September, the council approved a bid from Renton-based Road Construction Northwest to improve the intersection.
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