TRAFFIC ALERT: E. James Street construction begins this Saturday

This Saturday, July 21, construction will begin on East James Street, paving the road from Central Avenue to Jason Avenue in concrete.

After getting input from residents on social media and at a July 2 community meeting, the city opted to go with a 20-day full road closure rather than 60 days of intermittent lane closures.

“At the community meeting, the vote was unanimous to go for a 20-day full road closure,” said Kent Mayor Dana Ralph. “This isn’t going to be easy for anyone, but when it’s over, the East James Street project will finally be complete, and the new concrete road will last for decades.”

In addition to expediting the work, the 20-day road closure will save the city $200,000.

From July 21 through Aug. 9, Kiewit Construction will work up to 12 hours per day, seven days a week:

• Westbound traffic will be diverted at James and 94^th to Canyon with local access only beyond 94^th.
• Eastbound traffic on James will be diverted at James and Central over to Smith.
• After August 9, there will be about 10 days of intermittent lane closures for striping.

Traffic controls and signage will be in place, and there will also be message boards at 104^th and 240^th to divert traffic north and south at 104^th.

Drivers are encouraged to use 208^th, Canyon Drive and 277^th to get up and down East Hill during construction.

Visit DriveKent.com and the city’s Facebook page for updates.