Published March 20 2014
Road construction season kicks off this month with the continuation of the city's annual Pavement Overlay Program, which is a cost-effective means of maintaining Bellevue's city streets.
If a street is neglected too long, all the old asphalt must be removed and rebuilt, which could cost three times as much or more than a pavement overlay project. During the overlay process, workers also fix or replace curbs, gutters and sidewalks as needed to comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Overlay work is scheduled to take place in the Eastgate area for approximately five weeks, beginning the week of March 24. All of the work is weather dependent:
- Week of March 24: The city’s contractor will finish sidewalk curb ramp work at three locations and remove the traffic islands at Southeast 35th Place and Southeast Eastgate Way in preparation for the paving;
- Week of March 31: The contractor will begin grinding Southeast Eastgate Way between 148th Avenue Southeast and Southeast 35th Street. This work will occur on workdays between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Two-way traffic will be maintained, but drivers should expect long delays and use alternate routes when possible;
- Saturday, April 5: Final paving of Southeast Eastgate Way is scheduled from 5 a.m. until 6 p.m. Two-way traffic will be maintained on Southeast Eastgate Way. Freeway off-ramps, side streets, and driveways will be closed briefly as the paving work passes these points. Detours will be posted and police officers will help direct traffic;
- Wednesday, April 9, to Friday, April 11: Grinding will begin on 156th Avenue Southeast from Southeast Eastgate Way to Southeast 30th Street. Work will take place between 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and two-way traffic will be maintained. Drivers should expect delays and use alternate routes when possible; and
- Saturday, April 12: Paving of 156th Avenue Southeast is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Two-way traffic will be maintained, but driveways may be closed temporarily to accommodate the paving work.
For the best indication that paving will be happening soon, watch for the electronic variable message signs. They have orange lit messages with a black background and will alert drivers to upcoming construction impacts on the street throughout Bellevue. Signs will be set up a few days before the work begins.
Other overlay projects are anticipated to begin construction in June. Those locations include: Factoria Boulevard, from Southeast 36th Street to Southeast 41st Place; Highland Drive, from Southeast 46th Street to Forest Drive Southeast; Southeast 63rd Street, from 151st Avenue Southeast to Forest Drive Southeast; and “Woodridge route,†from the intersection of Southeast Eighth Street and 121st Avenue Southeast to the intersection of 128th Avenue Southeast and Southeast 32nd Street
More information about the Overlay Program and a map of project location is online (https://transportation.bellevuewa.gov/safety-and-maintenance/street-maintenance/pavement-overlay-and-bridge-maintenance/), or contact Teresa Becker, pavement manager, at tbecker@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-7942.
To obtain up-to-date weekly construction information, please refer to the city's traffic advisories (https://transportation.bellevuewa.gov/traffic-conditions/traffic-advisories). Up-to-date information on construction impacts around the city is available on Bellevues Transportation Department Twitter, @BvueTrans.