Sewer pipeline construction continues on Kent’s East Hill

King County contractors continue to install the Kent East Hill Diversion pipeline underneath Southeast 264th Street.

The new pipeline will help provide sufficient capacity to meet Kent’s needs through 2050 and reduce the chance of sewer backups into homes and streets, according to a King County media release.

Project update:

• Trenchless pipe installation – Crews reached an important milestone last week and completed the 300-foot tunnel from the bore pit on Southeast 264th Street to the receiving pit on school property.

• Next steps – Crews will remove the tunnel boring machine from the receiving pit on school property and install sewer pipe in the tunnel section. Manholes and pipe will be installed before the pit on 264th Street is filled and restored. Crews will then continue installing pipe via open-trench east of the bore pit on Southeast 264th Street. Pipe installation and restoration on 264th Street and school property is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

• Settlement monitoring inspections continue on Southeast 264th Place during construction. Residents on 264th Place with settlement monitoring points should continue to keep their property accessible during construction hours.

Drivers should expect lane restrictions and parking limitations in work zones along Southeast 264th Street. Drivers should use caution and obey flaggers and posted traffic signs.

What to expect during construction:

• Work hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays

• Single lane closures in work areas

• Parking and sidewalk restrictions

• Cones, signs and flaggers will be used to manage traffic flow and local access

• Increased travel time when driving through the work area

• Noise and other activity associated with a construction site: work crews, dust, trucks, heavy machinery and excavating equipment