Road Work to Start Monday at Central Way and Sixth

Improvements to the intersection at Central Way and Sixth Street—a busy, primary crossroads in downtown Kirkland—will begin Monday, the city announced Thursday.

Actual closures of either road will be minimized, said Kirkland neighborhoods coordinator Kari Page, but there will be advanced notice of any necessary, as well as  for any scheduled night work.

Work hours are scheduled between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. each weekday and 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. within the roadway. Parking closure signs and other advance site preparation might start as early as Friday.

Multiple upgrades to the intersection will be built to improve vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic flow. They include new street lights and sidewalks, revised lanes and realigned right-turn lanes, improved directional signage and installation of remote motoring technology.

The work is scheduled to be finished in July.

The project is being done by Sanders General Construction. It is being funded by a $2 million state Community Trade and Economic Development Grant and $50,000 from the city's capital improvement program. The city is seeking funding for a second phase that will include public art and additional gateway enhancements.

Stipulations of the contract and project include:

• Adjacent properties will be notified well in advance of road closures and planned utility shutdowns.
• No-parking signs will be posted 24 hours in advance of all parking restrictions. 
• Traffic control and flagging operations will be in effect.
• Emergency vehicle access will be maintained throughout the construction process.
• The contractor is required to backfill and/or cover its work at the end of each day so there will be no open trenches left over night.

To find up-to-date information, see www.ci.kirkland.wa.us and search “Central Way & 6^th Street” or call the construction hotline at 425-587-3838.