A sewer project on Stilson Avenue SE and 432nd Avenue SE in North Bend has been delayed in recent weeks, extending the road closures in the neighborhood near Opstad Elementary School. Sloughing soils in the area have caused the delays to Phases 1 and 2 of the Cedar Landing Sewer Main Extension project, and the projected closure of Stilson Avenue until Jan. 16.

Due to the new sewer pipe’s location near the road centerline, the road will at times close completely to ensure pedestrian and driver safety.

During Opstad’s school drop-off and pick-up times, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m., the road will be opened for one lane, with flaggers signalling when its safe to drive through the construction zone. Access to the school is also available from Cedar Falls Way SE.

Phase I of the project, which entails gravity sewer construction north of SE 134th Street, is expected to be completed by Friday, Jan. 5. During Phase 1, residents located south of SE 134th St. will be detoured to either 436th St via SE 134th St or Maloney Grove Ave SE via SE 140th St. Signage will also be provided along SE Cedar Falls Way and SE 436th St. Residents living along the affected work zone will have access to and from their homes by flaggers during working hours.

During evening and weekend hours, steel plates will be placed on the roadway and the road closure barricades removed.

During Phase 2, residents living south of Quadrant Homes project site will be detoured to SE Cedar Falls Way via SE 140th St. and Maloney Grove Ave. SE. Residents living along Stilson (south of the development), SE 140th St and Maloney Grove Ave. SE who want to reach Exit 32 or return home must use Maloney Grove Ave and SE Cedar Falls Way. Residents located within the affected work zone will be provided with flaggers to access their homes during working hours and steel plates or appropriate patching and detour routes during evenings and weekends.

Citizens with questions or concerns can contact Public Works Coordinator Carrie Smith at (425) 888- 0486 or send email to csmith@northbendwa.gov, or call Public Works Project Manager Michael Sippo at (425) 888- 7664 or send email to msippo@northbendwa.gov.