Construction on Northup Way begins today

Published 11:00 am Monday, February 8, 2016

<![CDATA[

Motorists driving on Northup Way in Bellevue might want to take a detour around the road between Northeast 24th Street and Northeast 33rd Place in the coming weeks.

Work began Monday on construction of bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides of Northup Way, and traffic will be slowed down during road work.

The $12.5 million project is funded by Washington State Department of Transportation, Connecting Washington Transportation, a federal Transportation Alternatives Program grant and Bellevue’s Capital Investment Program.

Along with the bike lanes and pedestrian sidewalks, the project also includes a pedestrian bridge at the Eastside Rail Corridor crossing, traffic signal modifications, street lighting and two mid-block pedestrian crossings.

According to Bellevue’s transportation department, the fact that Northup Way is already a narrow two-lane street means traffic will be delayed and lanes will be closed. Most construction will be between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, but weekend and night closures are possible.

A press release emphasized the importance of planning when using the road.

“If you need to access businesses or properties in the construction zone, please give yourself more time to reach your destination,” it reads. “Non-local traffic are encouraged to use alternate routes. As with any construction zone, it is important to obey the construction signs and the traffic flaggers. If you bike or walk in this area, please be extra cautious because the roadway surface will be rough and uneven. Drivers and bicyclists should lower their speeds and be fully aware of the roadway’s condition at all times, as well.”

The project is scheduled to be completed in early 2017 and will link the State Route 520 Trail and the Lake Washington Loop Trail.

For traffic advisories, visit Bellevue’s real-time map.

]]>