Traffic Alert: Culvert Work on Totem Lake Boulevard to Start Soon

Editor's Note: The following is a city of Kirkland advisory.

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Totem Lake Culvert Project

What: As part of the City’s efforts to revitalize the Totem Lake Business District, the City continues to make progress with the flooding issues in Totem Lake. This project will replace the two aging sections of a culvert along the north side of Totem Lake Boulevard near 120th Avenue NE, as well as a traffic signal pole relocation to accommodate installation of the new culvert.  In addition, sediment and vegetation will be removed from the drainage channel on the west side of Totem Lake Boulevard between Totem Lake Boulevard and I-405. See attached map.

Why: The existing culverts convey water from Totem Lake and are at the end of their service life.  Currently the culverts are operating at a capacity that is approximately half of their originally designed flow, and their replacement will restore the flow capacity and improve overall drainage out of Totem Lake. 

When: The construction is expected to begin in May with anticipated completion in October 2013. To reduce traffic impacts, a considerable amount of night work is planned in addition to one complete weekend road closure of 120th Avenue NE (adjacent to Totem Lake Boulevard).  Many factors including weather could influence the Project and its construction schedule.

Daytime work will typically be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Nighttime work will be limited to 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Saturday through Thursday.

Weekend work will be from 10 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. the following Monday. This one full weekend road closure of 120th Avenue NE (adjacent to Totem Lake Boulevard) is not yet scheduled.  Observe electronic reader board signs in the area or check the City’s web page for advanced announcements of the weekend work and detour information.

What to Expect: There will be construction activity along the roadway or shoulders of Totem Lake Boulevard throughout the construction period. Drivers and commuters are encouraged to use alternate routes and expect congestion during construction.

• Traffic control: There may be inconveniences associated with driving through the work zone; traffic control and flagging operations may be in effect. 

• Driveway access:  The contractor is required to give 24-hour notice of any driveway access restrictions.

• After hours:  The contractor is required to backfill and/or cover their work at the end of each day so there will be no open trenches left over night.

• Emergency vehicle access:  Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout the construction process.

For more information on the Project/ Para más información:

• 24-hour Project information hotline/ Para más información*, 425-587-3838
• Alternative formats available/711 (TTY Relay)
• Noel Hupprich, PE, Project Engineer, NHupprich@kirklandwa.gov, or 425-587-3829      

·        Tami White, Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator, TWhite@kirklandwa.gov, or 425-587-3831

• Web: Go to www.kirklandwa.gov and search Totem Lake Twin or go to http://www.kirklandwa.gov/depart/Public_Works/Capital_Improvements/Totem_Lake_Twin_Culvert_Replacement.htm

(*Señale su idioma y llamaremos a un intéprete. El servicio es gratuito).