'Undergrounding' of Utility Lines to Start Next Week on 85th

A city contractor will begin moving overhead utility wires underground along NE 85th Street on Rose Hill next week as part of the on-going improvement project along Kirkland’s major east-west corridor.

Next week’s “undergrounding” will be from 120th Avenue to 128th Avenue, with additional work from there to the city line on 132nd Avenue.

One lane will be kept open in each direction at all times, but flagging, delays and traffic congestion are expected at times. Work hours typically will be 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Here’s a rundown of the work from the city, with links for more information.

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Project:  NE 85th Street Corridor Improvement Project

What:  The City of Kirkland is pleased to announce that Tri State Construction will begin undergrounding the overhead utility wires on NE 85th Street from 120th Avenue NE to 128th Avenue NE next week.  In addition, they will be installing underground conduit for future wire undergrounding from 128th Avenue NE to 132nd Avenue NE.  

When: Construction by the City’s contractor will begin in early March and is anticipated to be complete by fall of 2012.  Day time work hours are scheduled between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.; some night work may be necessary to avoid traffic impacts.  All work is weather-dependent and could be rescheduled due to inclement weather. Construction sequencing will not be determined until after the first month, but will generally be as follows:

2012 Timeline:
Late February: Move equipment and material to the staging area (southeast corner of 120th Avenue NE and NE 85th Street).
Late February: Conduct preconstruction surveying the length of the corridor and explore various pavement depths and utility locations prior to trenching.
Mid March:  First section of trenching will be on the north side of NE 85th Street starting at 120th and moving toward 124th Avenue NE.
Timeline to be determined after first section. Second section of trenching will move to the south side of NE 85th Street across 124th Avenue and continue along the south side to 128th Avenue NE.
Timeline to be determined after first section. Third section of trenching for future undergrounding will start on the south side east of 128th Avenue and continue to 132nd Avenue NE.

What to expect:  One lane of traffic may be closed intermittently where necessary.  However, at least one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction.  Flagging operations will be in effect directing traffic as needed.  No-parking signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance of any parking restrictions. Open trenches will be backfilled and/or covered at the end of each work day.  Emergency vehicle access will be maintained throughout the construction process.

Easy access to information and construction updates:
           Go to www.kirklandwa.gov/85thStreet.
           Call the construction hotline:  (425) 587-3838.  
Or contact
Rod Steitzer, Project Engineer
RSteitzer@kirklandwa.gov (425-587-3825); or

Kari Page, Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator,
KPage@kirklandwa.gov (425-587-3011)