Backups on 108th Ave: City Offers Tips for Navigating Closure

Editor's Note: The following is a press release from the City of Kirkland. For an earlier Patch story on the 108th Avenue closure, .

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KIRKLAND, Wash. – The closure of 108th Avenue NE to all traffic at the intersection of NE 53rd Street has resulted in significant morning and evening peak hour traffic congestion.  While utility construction continues in earnest, the City of Kirkland seeks help from those who drive in and through Kirkland to find alternate routes or follow the detours.  The closure’s detoured traffic combined with recreational traffic due to summer weather is causing congestion along some of Kirkland’s already busy arterial routes such as Lake Washington Boulevard NE, Lakeview Drive, and NE 68th Street.  Drivers are offered the following tips:

·         If you’re commuting regionally from Bellevue or other communities outside Kirkland, particularly in the area of the closure, please use the alternate routes of Interstate 405 or 116th Avenue NE 

·         Allow extra time for your commute through Kirkland, especially during the morning and evening peak commute, or make your trip at a non-peak hour.

·         Plan for congestion along the busy summer routes of Lake Washington Boulevard NE, Lakeview Drive, and NE 68th Street.

·         Obey all flaggers, uniformed police officers, and traffic control signage.

 The complete road closure at 108th Avenue NE and NE 53rd Street is necessary to replace a deep 25-foot manhole, as well as aging and undersized sewer infrastructure.  The closure runs through August 24.  To stay informed, access the project web site at www.kirklandwa.gov and search “NE 53rd Street”, call the CIP Construction Hotline at 425-587-3838, or contact Kari Page, Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator at 425-587-3011 or kpage@kirklandwa.gov.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as Kirkland completes this necessary sewer improvement.  During the intersection closure and partial road closures, emergency vehicle and local access will be maintained.