Project news

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Needs & benefits

Eastbound State Route 18 between Southeast 304th Street in Auburn and Southeast 256th Street in Convington needs to be repaired after years of heavy traffic created ruts and cracks in the roadway. In 2019, WSDOT contractor crews will grind off about two inches of asphalt and repave it. This will reduce the need for costly, disruptive repairs on a section of highway used by approximately 25,000 vehicles daily.

The westbound SR 18 overpass at Issaquah-Hobart Road was last repaved in 1989, and is very rough with dozens of pothole patches. Removing the existing driving surface and repaving the overpass will provide a smoother ride for travelers who use this stretch of the highway. These repairs will also will preserve and protect the bridge structure, which is especially important for the 12,000 vehicles who use this overpass each day.

This project’s benefits include:

• Safety: Eliminating ruts and cracks in the pavement will reduce the opportunity for water to collect on the roadway, which can reduce traction for vehicles.
• Economic/Preservation: Repaving this section of SR 18 will preserve the highway structure and reduce the need for costly emergency repairs.

What should travelers expect?

Most of the grinding and repaving work on eastbound SR 18 will take place during overnight lane and ramp closures. At least one lane will remain open at all times and access to businesses along the corridor will be maintained. During ramp closures for repaving work, travelers should plan extra time to follow signed detours. Until grinding begins, portions of the road could feel bumpy to those traveling through the area. 

In order to complete the bridge deck repair work on westbound SR 18, contractor crews will extend the one-lane section by about a half-mile, across the Issaquah-Hobart Road overpass. This temporary configuration will remain in place around-the-clock while crews repair and repave the bridge deck. The project will require several overnight full closures of westbound SR 18 so crews can safely pour the new concrete. During these closures, travelers will use the Issaquah-Hobart Road off- and on-ramps to bypass the work zone, with a uniformed police officer directing traffic at the intersection. 

Timeline

• November 2018: Project was advertised for competitive bidding.
• December 2018: Project was awarded to Tucci & Sons Inc.
• April 2019: Construction began.
• Fall 2019: Construction is scheduled to be complete.