North Bend Way entered the construction zone Monday, June 12, when work began on a new sidewalk for two blocks on the north side of the street, between Ballarat and Downing Avenues.

This project is not related to the anticipated three-month reconstruction known as the North Bend downtown plaza project, but the two will overlap on the schedule.

Issaquah contractor Iron Creek Construction was scheduled to begin work June 12 on the Ballarat-to-Downing sidewalk improvements, which is expected to be complete by the end of August.

The plaza project, covering North Bend Way from Bendigo to Ballarat, is scheduled to start July 24 and run into November.

Although the downtown plaza project will require multiple-week closures of both the roadway and sidewalks, the Ballarat-to-Downing sidewalk project should not have a significant effect on businesses or traffic.

“It’s a pretty straightforward project, all the driveways should be open all the time, and businesses shouldn’t be affected,” said North Bend Deputy Public Works Director Tom Mohr.

East and westbound traffic lanes on North Bend Way will remain open during the project, with some traffic lane shifting by the contractor during specific activities. Traffic control will be provided by the contractor and drivers in the area should anticipate minor delays.

The construction will cost approximately $343,000 and will consist of replacing the existing water infrastructure and installing new curbs, gutters, concrete walkway, ADA ramps, driveways, street trees and tree grates, joint utility trench and street lighting. The project is funded almost entirely by King County grants, Mohr said.

Improvements planned for the $1.6 million downtown plaza project starting in July include widened sidewalks, improved stormwater drainage, landscaping and the burial of utility lines in the North Bend Way/Main Avenue intersection for unimpeded views of Mount Si.

The plaza work will be divided into stages to limit the impact on downtown businesses, as well.

The city is planning to launch a project website with detailed information on the plaza project, with daily updates on detours and parking availability. The website will also have some information about the status of other projects within the city, Mohr said.

For more information, contact Mohr at tmohr@northbendwa.gov or call (425) 888-7653.