Coal Creek Construction to Limit Lanes Through Summer

Parts of Coal Creek Parkway will have limited lanes through the summer, as the the city starts a project to replace an old stream culvert with a bridge that will allow for trail passage and salmon passage under the road.

The four-lanes will be reduced to one lane in each direction for this summer and next summer, during construction, according to the city. The 24-hour closure will start in late May.

But when the project reaches completion, slated for November 2014, there will be a new passage under the roadway for Coal Creek and for the trail. That will make crossing a lot safer for hikers -- some jaywalk by running across four lanes of traffic on Coal Creek Parkway -- and it will also improve passage for the salmon.

The city provided the following information on changes for cyclists and for parking near the trailhead:

Bike Lane Changes
During construction, bicyclists will need to share lanes with cars for about 900 feet through the work area on Coal CreekParkway. Downhill momentum should aid with merging and speed through most of the restricted area, before bike lanes become available again. Signs will be posted to inform bikers and drivers, who are asked to be respectful and aware of each other. As with motorists, bicyclists are encouraged to consider alternate routes, which can be found on the King County Bike Map.    

In between Phase 1 and Phase 2, when the road is open to four lanes of traffic, interim bike lanes or widened lanes will be available for bikes through the 900-foot construction area. By the end of September 2014, all four lanes of traffic will be reopened, with bike lanes restored on both sides of the road.

Trailhead and Parking Lot Changes
The Coal Creek trailhead and parking lot will close in May and remain closed during construction of the bridge. A new trail accessing the park has been established nearby at 5199 Forest Drive. A more developed interim parking lot is planned to be completed at this location in spring/summer 2013.