Crews are working on crosswalk improvements at four locations across Kent.
Rectangular rapid flashing beacons, median refuge islands and other improvements are being installed along SE 240th Street, 104th Avenue SE and two locations on Central Avenue North.
“The crossing distances for these streets will be more than halved and pedestrian safety improvements will be made,” according to city Public Works documents.
The cost is $1.25 million, most of it covered by an $1.16 million grant from the Washington State Department of Transportation Pedestrian and Bicycle Program. The rest of the monies are from the city’s business and occupation tax and transportation impact fees.
New refuge islands will be constructed on SE 240th Street and 104th Avenue SE with rapid flashing beacons, crosswalks and striping.
Central Avenue currently has existing medians without pedestrian movements that will be retrofitted with flashing beacons, crosswalks and striping. The Central Avenue crossings are at Novak Lane and at Kent Memorial Park.
All of these locations will have new ADA compliant curb ramps and asphalt repair will be done at the crosswalks.
Global Contractors, of Eatonville, submitted the low bid for the project at $939,933, which was under the city engineer estimate. Ten other companies also submitted bids which ranged up to $1.35 million.
All roads will remain open to traffic during construction. Drivers should expect lane closures during working hours and round-the-clock lane closures for up to five consecutive days at each location.
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