To make way for Schneider Homes' Copper Ridge housing development, the city of Kent approved the contractor's request to close South 208th Street from 92nd Avenue South to 96th Avenue South beginning Friday, July 20.

The street will be closed for the total reconstruction and widening of the roadway as required by King County's construction standards.

"Besides an entrance to the development, the project also includes removal of most of the existing roadway, the construction of four retaining walls, a new water main, and alignment and widening of the roadway," said Brennan Taylor, Kent's Development Engineering Manager. "These improvements will also increase safety and sight distance for drivers."

Signs will direct drivers to use the following detour routes:

• Westbound traffic will be directed north on 96th Street to South 202nd Street, then west to 92nd Avenue South.

• Eastbound traffic will be directed south on 84th Avenue South to South 212th Street, then east on 212th Street to 96th Avenue South.

Taylor says due to the steep slopes along the roadway, it is important to complete the street improvements in the summer. "Working during the dry season provides a safer working environment for contractors and other individuals working on this project."

The roadway is expected to reopen Nov. 1.

The Copper Ridge project consists of 39 townhomes originally applied for while in King County and approved by the city of Kent after annexation of the Chestnut Ridge area in 1994.

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