Work on enhancements to West Lake Sammamish Parkway will cause significant impacts to motorists beginning March 19, according to a City of Bellevue announcement.

On that date, the parkway will be closed to southbound traffic starting at Southeast 34th Street. A northbound lane will remain open, but significant delays are still likely. All businesses will remain open during construction.

The roadway typically carries 11,000 drivers on an average weekday and the city is strongly advising motorists to find alternate routes to traveling on West Lake Sammamish Parkway between Interstate 90 and Southeast 34th Street. Delays of 15 minutes or more are possible through the construction zone.

The parkway project will include safety enhancements for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers by providing a multi-use trail along the west side of the arterial. The work also will restore the existing pavement while maintaining the distinct character of the area.

The proposed construction plan breaks the roadway into five approximately mile-long segments. The first phase will take at least 10 months to complete.

The city began construction of Phase 1 in early 2013. The scope of work includes the construction of a 10-foot wide multi-use path on the west side of the street, a four-foot shoulder on the east side, and two general-purpose travel lanes (one northbound and one southbound).

Along with roadway improvements, the city will install new storm drains and replace existing water mains. The first type of work installs erosion control, builds retaining walls, and improves storm drains, water lines, and water service.

Construction takes place between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

To expedite the work, two or three crews will be working at a time at different locations. Besides the contractor, there will be other companies conducting their work in the area as well.

Specific project updates about construction activities on the parkway will be available at bellevuewa.gov/west_lk_samm_prkwy.htm. Current day-to-day information will be posted on electronic message signs at each end of the project limits.

Rendering shows how West Lake Sammamish Parkway SE will look after construction.