Kent road construction projects could impact commutes

Kent drivers can expect several major projects to impact their commutes this fall.

Kent drivers can expect several major projects to impact their commutes this fall.

James Street

In order to provide a safer route for pedestrians, crews will repair failing portions of the sidewalks on both the north and south sides of James Street between Clark Avenue to 102nd Avenue Southeast. The work requires removal of the existing trees.

Public Works Director Tim LaPorte said trees planted decades ago have caused the sidewalks to buckle, posing a tripping hazard to pedestrians.

“We’re making the sidewalks more usable for walkers,” LaPorte said in a city media release. “While we hate to remove the existing trees, they’ll be replaced by a type of tree that is less likely to cause sidewalk damage.”

Motorists should expect weekday curb lane closures on James Street between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Pedestrians should expect sidewalk and crosswalk closures during their removal and replacement; however, access for local resident will be maintained. The work is anticipated to be complete by late next summer.

Canyon Drive

Crews will grind and place asphalt on Canyon Drive between Weiland Street and 101st Avenue Southeast, impacting vehicle travel at night from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sept. 7-10. Drivers should expect lane closures and travel time delays on Canyon Drive and surrounding cross streets.

64th Avenue South

Southbound travel along 64th Avenue South will intermittently close between South 226th Street and South 228th Street while undersized culverts along a drainage channel are replaced. Detour signage is in place to direct traffic around the construction area. Work is scheduled to finish at the end of September.

SE 240th Street

Crews will begin work in latter part of September to stabilize the slope and restore a portion of Southeast 240th Street between 144th Avenue Southeast and 146th Place Southeast. The failing slope has caused progressive damage to the road. With work estimated to be finished by the end of October, the roadway will be closed and detour signage will be provided around the work area.

Construction schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather, equipment problems or emergency situations.

Drivers are encouraged to sign up for traffic advisory alerts at DriveKent.com, which includes the ability to have traffic alerts sent directly to your email address. DriveKent.com offers information about lane restrictions, flagger control or road closures due to roadway construction in Kent. You will also receive roadway impacts due to snow and ice.

View Larger Map


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website http://kowloonland.com.hk/?big=submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Photos from the United States Attorney's Office Western District of Washington press release.
Kent man arrested in connection to violent drug trafficking gang investigation

Law enforcement seized more than 20 kilograms of fentanyl, 60 firearms, and more than $130,000 in cash.

Courtesy Photo, King County
Son accused of fatally shooting mother’s boyfriend in Kent back in jail

Dondre Butler has 3 violations in 13 months of electronic home detention after charged with murder in 2022

t
Kent Police targeted street patrols result in arrest of two felons

One driver spotted in a vehicle with no plates; another driver reportedly in a stolen vehicle

t
Kent cold case murder suspect back in state after governor’s warrant | Update

Kenneth Kundert fought extradition from Arkansas after August arrest in 1980 killing of Dorothy Silzel

t
City of Kent eyes November opening for Reith Road roundabouts

Two more roundabouts will bring total in city to six; three more in future plans

t
Kent-based Puget Sound Fire honors this year’s 20 retirees

17 firefighters and 3 staff members retire; firefighters served between 24 and 35 years

t
Pedestrian dies in Kent after being struck by a vehicle | Update

Des Moines man, 61, identified; reportedly tried crossing highway late at night but wasn’t in a crosswalk

t
‘Drivers going too fast’ led to 45-vehicle collision in Kent on I-5

State Patrol says drivers need to ‘slow down;’ nobody seriously injured in Sunday afternoon incident

T
Sound Transit to feature glass art in Kent at Star Lake Station

Part of agency’s light rail art program at two stations in Kent and one in Federal Way

Emergency vehicles respond Oct. 21 to the State Route 18 crash in Maple Valley that killed a Kent baby. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Federal Way man faces vehicular homicide charge in death of Kent baby

19-year-old also charged with vehicular assault for injuring boy’s mother in SR 18 crash

t
Kent mother arrested after reportedly driving drunk with baby in vehicle

22-month-old baby uninjured after witnesses report woman asleep at the wheel and blocking traffic

Puget Sound Fire, King County Medic One, and Washington State Patrol on location of the accident. Photo from Puget Sound Fire X account
Baby dies in crash on SR 18

Incident occurred at about 2:58 p.m. Oct. 21.