July 1, 2020

What’s With all of the Road Construction in Kenmore?

By Rob Karlinsey, Kenmore City Manager

Yes, there is a lot of road construction going on, and it’s only the beginning—so get used to seeing it for a long time. But remember: We’re doing all of this for a reason, and it will all be worth it when it’s over (let’s just keep telling ourselves that!).

These road construction projects are very exciting indeed! Why? Because they will propel Kenmore further on its upward trajectory by helping us create a thriving community where people love where they live. Better safety, long-term infrastructure preservation, improved aesthetics, and “sense of place” will be among the many benefits of these projects.

Here’s a rundown of what’s going on:

Southbound Bridge Over the Sammamish River

The construction of the new southbound 68th Avenue bridge is going to last for three years. The 82-year-old bridge is overdue for replacement, and the new one will be a big improvement with a grand promenade for pedestrians and cyclists.

The project limits extend beyond the bridge to 175th Street to the north and 170th Street (Simonds Road) to the south. Lane closures, detours, and lots of congestion will be the norm until the bridge is complete some time in 2022.

To stay up to date on the latest, you can sign up for email updates for this project by sending an email to info@kenmoreconstruction.com or visiting the project website at www.kenmoreconstruction.com.

Walkways and Waterways

Kenmore voters approved the Walkways and Waterways Bond Measure in 2016, including new bike lanes and sidewalks on Juanita Drive and 68th Avenue from city limit (Kirkland) to city limit (Snohomish County). These projects are on schedule, and construction to relocate utilities (gas lines, water lines, etc.) has been under way for the last few months.

The contractor for the Juanita Drive sidewalks and bike lanes is expected to get started in the first half of July, and then construction will likely go through 2021. Again, traffic backups and lane closures will be the name of the game for the duration of the construction.

We expect to bid out the 68th Avenue (north of City Hall to the city limit) sidewalk and bike lane project in the early fall, and construction will get started soon thereafter and last about a year. Same thing—lots of traffic delays and lane closures.

To follow the Walkways and Waterways projects, sign up for email alerts by sending an email to info@kenmoreconstruction.com and find project updates at www.kenmoreconstruction.com.

Simonds Road Asphalt Overlay

We’re almost done with putting down new asphalt for the very potholey (is that a word?) road we know as Simonds Road from NE 163rd Pl. to the Kirkland city limit. This project should be complete by the end of July 2020, weather permitting. Federal regulations require us to upgrade the sidewalk curb ramps at all of the intersections whenever we put down new asphalt, which is why you’ve seen all of the construction in advance of the asphalt overlay.

The good news: when it’s all over, we’ll have nice, smooth asphalt to drive on, and the intersections and sidewalks will be more accessible for wheelchairs and other modes of getting around. To stay up to date on this project go to our website at kenmorewa.gov and select “Current Projects”.

Where is the Money Coming From? Aren’t We in Difficult Financial Times Right Now?

Yes, the City’s operating budget, due to the pandemic, is going through a rough period right now. However, all of these road projects are funded separately and independently of the City’s operating budget. Capital projects (like these road projects) are paid for with one-time capital revenues, such as grants, voter-approved bonds, and impact fees from new construction. The City’s general operating fund (police, parks, maintenance, etc.) does not have access to these capital revenues and is funded from totally separate revenues such as property tax and sales tax. Two separate pots of money: capital budget and operating budget.

So thank you for your patience, and hang in there! It’s going to be tough driving on these roads for quite a long while, but it will be worth it in the end—better safety and accessibility with new sidewalks and bike lanes, new asphalt to last many years ahead, and a new sturdy bridge with a grand promenade. These project will make our community better and safer, and I can’t wait ‘til they’re complete!

--Rob Karlinsey
Kenmore City Manager