Crews continue to work this month on the South 228th overpass that will span over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and Interurban Trail in Kent.

“We are anticipating that this project will be completed in this first quarter of 2021,” City Public Works officials said on Jan. 14

Paving and reinforcing of poured slabs is ongoing along with landscape restoration on the west end of the project. Irrigation lines and topsoil for nearby properties is also in the works.

When complete, the South 228th Street bridge at the Union Pacific crossing will provide a regional connection between the warehouse and industrial center in Kent with the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. It will also address daily traffic delays and provide a safer route for freight haulers and commuters at the crossing.

The 1,400-foot long overpass between 72nd Avenue South and 76th Avenue South will eliminate the need for vehicles to stop for trains. The project includes a 200-foot long bridge, formed by the girders.

The road will be four to five lanes wide with sidewalks on both sides. There will be new connections for bicyclists and pedestrians to the Interurban Trail.

The estimated $40 million project is in the fifth and final stage of construction. State, city and federal funds have covered most of the costs.

When done, the overpass will look similar to the BNSF Railway overpass along South 228th Street that was completed in 2009, just east of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.