By early next year, drivers along South 228th Street in Kent should be able to use a new overpass to cross the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
Crews continue to construct the approximately 1,400-foot long overpass between 72nd Avenue South and 76th Avenue South that will eliminate the need for vehicles to stop for trains. The project includes a 200-foot long bridge spanning the railroad and Interurban Trail.
“At this point we are looking at the first quarter of 2021,” said Mike Madfai, city engineering supervisor, in a June 9 email about the completion date. “The contractor was delayed a few months due to a suspension because of COVID-19.”
The estimated $40 million project is in the fifth and final stage of construction, Madfai said. It is about 60% complete. State, city and federal funds have covered most of the costs.
The roadway will be four to five lanes wide with sidewalks on both sides. It will include new bicycle and pedestrian connections to the Interurban Trail.
When done, the overpass will look similar to the BNSF Railway overpass along South 228th Street that was completed in 2009.
The grade separation will help provide a regional connection between Kent’s large warehouse district and industrial center with the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport, according to city officials. It will also eliminate daily traffic delays and provide a safer route for freight haulers and commuters at the crossing.
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