Expect daytime traffic delays in Kent at Willis and Fourth Nov. 5-8

Kent drivers will face delays over the next few days at the intersection of Willis Street and Fourth Avenue South.

The traffic signal at the intersection will be flashing red and there will be one lane of travel in each direction from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5 through Friday, Nov. 8, according to the city Public Works Department.

Flaggers will be in place to direct traffic through the intersection. Crews will be constructing a joint utility trench (to bury wires) for the roundabout project. Expect delays, alternate routes are advised.

The existing signalized intersection will be replaced with a roundabout. The project will include new sidewalks, crosswalks, and landscaping. The roundabout is required to obtain state Department of Transportation approval (because it is a state highway) for new northbound roads connecting to SR 516 east of the Valley Freeway (SR 167).

City officials want the connecting roads to help market the city-owned Naden property north of Willis Street to a developer. City officials are in talks with a hotel developer to purchase a portion of the property.

The city will receive $3 million from the state’s 2018 Supplemental Transportation Budget to pay for the project. Roundabout construction is anticipated to start by spring 2020 and be completed by the end of 2020.

The city of Kent Public Works will hold an open house from 5- 7 p.m. on Thursday Nov. 7, in Council Chambers (Kent City Hall, 220 Fourth Avenue S.) to inform residents about the upcoming roundabout at the intersection.

During the open house, city staff will display exhibits describing the project and will provide residents the opportunity to ask project related questions and share comments. City of Kent and state Department of Transportation staff will be available to answer project specific and general roundabout questions.

A graphic of the planned roundabout at Willis Street and Fourth Avenue South. COURTESY GRAPHIC, City of Kent