Commuters should find alternative routes or expect long traffic delays due to paving along Lake Washington Boulevard from Lakeview Drive to the Kirkland/Bellevue city limits at SR 520.

Paving was delayed over the last couple of days due to weather. In an effort to complete the paving as efficiently and timely as possible, and because there is an anticipated break in the weather in the next three days, the contractor is planning to ramp up construction to complete the paving on Lake Washington Boulevard this week.

The paving operations will occur on Thursday and Friday and possibly into Saturday. Work hours will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. During these times the contractor will keep one traffic lane open, alternating traffic flow in each direction using flaggers.

It is strongly advised that drivers use alternative routes to avoid long traffic delays.

It is suggested that drivers and bicyclists consider N.E. 68th St. and/or 108th Ave. N.E. as alternative routes.

Please be advised that it is possible that this revised paving schedule could change due to weather conditions.

The Street Overlay Project is a preventative maintenance program, funded annually through the city’s Capital Improvement Program.

Preventative maintenance not only prolongs the life of a street, but it also saves money by improving the street before it reaches the final state of its life when rapid deterioration occurs and full reconstruction is required.

After the overlay, the street will look very much like it did when it was new, and will again be able to withstand the effects of traffic and weather.