Traffic Alert: Delays Expected on Lake Washington Boulevard Due to Repaving

The City of Kirkland is warning drivers to avoid Lake Washington Boulevard between the Carillon Point area and the Kirkland/Bellevue city limits on Thursday, Friday and possibly Saturday because of extended hours for repaving work.

The work is part of the city’s street overlay preventative maintenance program and has been delayed over the last couple days because of rain.

With a break in the forecast, the city contractor is stepping up the work with extended hours, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and major traffic delays are expected. One lane will be kept open, but the boulevard is a major arterial into the city from the south, including SR 520, and is already congested during commute hours.

The city is suggesting NE 68th Street and/or 108th Ave NE as alternative routes (see the attached map). 

Here is the full press release from the city.

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Kirkland, WA – Commuters should find alternative routes or expect long traffic delays due to paving along Lake Washington Boulevard from Lakeview Drive to the Kirkland/Bellevue City Limits at SR 520.  Paving was delayed over the last couple of days due to weather.

In an effort to complete the paving as efficiently and timely as possible, and because there is an anticipated break in the weather in the next three days, the contractor is planning to ramp up construction to complete the paving on Lake Washington Boulevard this week.

The paving operations will occur on Thursday, October 6, Friday, October 7 and possibly into Saturday, October 8.  Work hours will be from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM each day.  During these times the contractor will keep one traffic lane open, alternating traffic flow in each direction using flaggers.

It is strongly advised that drivers use alternative routes to avoid long traffic delays. It is suggested that drivers and bicyclists consider NE 68th Street and/or 108th Ave NE as alternative routes.  Please be advised that it is possible that this revised paving schedule could change due to weather conditions.

The Street Overlay Project is a preventative maintenance program, funded annually through the City’s Capital Improvement Program.  Preventative maintenance not only prolongs the life of a street, but it also saves money by improving the street before it reaches the final state of its life when rapid deterioration occurs and full reconstruction is required.  After the overlay, the street will look very much like it did when it was new, and will again be able to withstand the effects of traffic and weather.