Gov. Jay Inslee, in consultation with the state’s construction industry, announced a plan today (Friday, April 24) that would immediately allow work on current construction projects to be completed.

The recommendations were informed by workers, contractors, health and safety experts, and local government officials, for safe construction standards.

"I thank all those involved in the construction work group in helping us get to this decision in a responsible way that supports workers, businesses, and communities in a way that protects the health of all of their families and ours,” Inslee said. “Our strategy is working and we need to keep with it. We would much rather protect people from sickness and death now, so that we don’t have to go through this crisis all over again later.”

Read the full plan on the governor's Medium page. 

Need COVID-19-related business assistance? Don’t have a relationship with a commercial bank or similar financial service? Our partners at (re)STARTUP425 offer free, one-on-one business assistance to Eastside businesses. This program can help business owners and nonprofits navigate city, state, federal, and private economic relief programs related to COVID-19. For more information, visit the (re)STARTUP425 website. 

108th Avenue Northeast

Drivers should continue to expect minor traffic impacts this month on 108th Avenue Northeast while a Kirkland contractor upgrades an aging water and sewer main along the north-to-south arterial.

Marshbank Construction is replacing the two systems—both more than five decades old—to increase their capacities to serve Kirkland’s growing population and to reduce the systems’ needs for maintenance.

That need is most urgent in the sewer line, which runs from Northeast 68th Street to Northeast 53rd Street. Settling soil has created a sag in the sewer line, allowing sewage to accumulate there and requiring maintenance crews to periodically flush the line.

The contractor is also replacing the water main between Northeast 68th and 60th streets.

Marshbank expects to complete the upgrades by Spring of 2021. For more information, visit: www.kirklandwa.gov/108thavewatersewer

Totem Lake Boulevard

City of Kirkland contractors are working to expedite projects during Gov. Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order to capitalize on limited traffic flows in the Totem Lake region at this time and minimize later impacts on commuters. For updates and news about Totem Lake, please visit the Totem Lake information page on the City website.

To expedite the installation of a retaining wall along Totem Lake Boulevard, a Kirkland contractor is keeping closed until May 4 all but one of the arterial's five lanes. 

As a result, commuters will have access to just one of the Boulevard's southbound lanes until May 4 or until Gov. Jay Inslee ends the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” proclamation. Marshbank Construction, the contractor, has established a detour for northbound Totem Lake Boulevard traffic.

The extra lane is allowing Marshbank’s crews to work more efficiently while they rebuild the street and install a new retaining wall that will help support the road. Marshbank's crews are also closing two lanes along 120th Avenue Northeast and Totem Lake Way while they rebuild the sidewalk and roadway. The sidewalk on the southeast side of the road is closed as well.

For more information, visit: www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlakeconnector or www.kirklandwa.gov/totemlake