Road construction has started in Kent on yet another phase of work to turn South 224th Street into the city’s third major transportation corridor between the East Hill and West Hill.
The $6.05 million project includes the widening South 218th Street and 98th Avenue South from 94th Place South to South 216th Street to three lanes, according to city documents, getting closer up the East Hill to eventually reaching the Benson Highway, aka 108th Avenue SE. Construction is expected to be completed next fall.
The work also includes asphalt paving; the installation of concrete curb, gutter, sidewalk, planter strips, paved shoulders, street lighting, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water main replacements and pavement markings; undergrounding all existing aerial power and communications cables; and constructing a compact roundabout at the 98th Avenue South/South 216th Street intersection.
The project will connect to recently completed $8.4 million improvements at 94th Place South, extending the South 224th Street Corridor. The corridor first came in front of city leaders in the 1980s to help prepare for population growth to move traffic between the East Hill and West Hill through the valley. The other major transportation corridors are South 196th Street on the north end of town and South 277th Street on the south end.
In 2008, the council approved the projects needed to complete the South 224th Street Corridor, but funding and permits delayed work until 2018 when construction started on an overpass for 224th Street to cross Highway 167. That worked was finished in 2019.
As for the South 218th Street widening, SCI Infrastructure, of SeaTac, submitted the low of seven bids that ranged up to $7.5 million, each below the city engineer’s estimate of $7.8 million. The council approved the contract in May.
City Public Works Director Chad Bieren called it one of “the more monumental bids over the last couple of years,” along with the recent $2.79 million repainting of the Meeker Street bridge over the Green River.
The project is budgeted and funded by a grant from the Puget Sound Regional Council, Move Ahead Washington, city traffic impact fees and the city’s Street Fund and Water Utility Fund.
The closure of South 218th Street/98th Avenue South from 94th Place South to South 216th Street is in place. This closure and its detour routes will be in place until October 2025. Access to the closed area will be maintained for residents, emergency vehicles, and services at all times during construction.
Work started in November on drain system installation and the building of retaining walls.
Garrison Creek Park will be open for pedestrian access only during construction, according to city documents. However, due to construction activities, the park will need to be closed for a certain period of time. Residents will receive advance notice of the anticipated park closure as construction progresses.
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Crews work on a retaining wall in November as part of the widening of South 218th Street up the East Hill. COURTESY PHOTO, City of Kent
