Drivers can expect to see extra congestion in downtown Redmond this summer as crews complete two major road work projects.
The most significant project is the completion of a new overlay on Redmond Way between 132nd Avenue Northeast and Bear Creek Parkway from June to November. The $2.8-million project will include asphalt repair, resurfacing, and the replacement of some road drainage pipes.
Ron Grant, the city's assistant public works director, said crews will work at night and on weekends as much as possible but that some daytime work will be necessary, especially at the beginning of the project. Most of the time, crews will likely close half the roadway and move traffic to the side that's not being worked on, he said.
Grant recommends drivers use alternate routes during construction if possible.
“It will have significnat traffic impacts because of the work needed to do,” he said.
A second project that's likely to cause delays for downtown drivers this summer is the extension of 164th Avenue Northeast to connect Cleveland Street and Northeast 76th Street. Grant said this $3.5-million project will cause "some impacts" to traffic as crews install a "mini roundabout" at the intersection.
The 164th extension will also begin this summer, but work will continue into next spring, he said.
A third project getting underway in coming months is resurfacing on 148th and 156th avenues northeast in the Overlake area. The City of Bellevue, which co-owns both roadways with the City of Redmond, will be overseeing that project, although Redmond is contributing $300,000 toward its completion.
Grant said he expects all roadwork on 148th will be done at night because of the roadway's high traffic volumes.
The city is asking drivers to check the transportation page on Redmond.gov for updates on all summer road work. You can also follow Redmond Construction (@RedmondConst) on Twitter for traffic alerts.
