Published January 2 2024
Drivers traveling Factoria Boulevard in south Bellevue will encounter intermittent lane closures starting the second week of January, as the city begins construction of a stormwater conveyance system, or new storm drain, designed to reduce repeated flooding in the area.
The lane closures will occur between Southeast 38th Street and the 3600 block of Factoria Boulevard.
Initial construction work – locating utilities for the project – requires intermittent lane closures, with alternating lanes closing temporarily. Starting in March, northbound lanes will close around the clock for five months. One southbound lane will be converted to a northbound lane to ensure traffic can still flow in both directions. In August, after the five-month closure, there will be intermittent lane closures again for the remainder of the year to complete construction.
People will continue to be able to use Factoria Boulevard in both directions throughout construction.
“We understand it is never an ideal time to disrupt traffic, and we appreciate the community’s patience and understanding,” said Lucy Liu, director of Bellevue Utilities. “We will take steps to help lessen the impact of the lane closures.” Further project details and plans for mitigation measures will be presented to the City Council at their meeting on Jan. 8.
The stormwater conveyance project will reduce the risk of flooding in the Factoria-Richards Creek drainage basin during heavy storms, a recurrent problem that last occurred in November 2023. In 2014, a storm inundated Factoria Boulevard with nearly four feet of water, flooding businesses and disrupting the community.
Community members with questions are invited to check the project webpage, tune in or attend the council meeting Jan. 8, or contact project staff listed on the project page.