King County executive says Green River Road homeless clearing helps ensure safety

With King County Department of Local Services on Monday, Nov. 7 launching the project to clear, clean, and secure the roadway around Green River Road near Kent and Auburn, King County Executive Dow Constantine issued the following statement:

“During the beginning of the pandemic, a large number of cars and campers gathered along Green River Road, in the unincorporated area just outside of Kent and Auburn. Per public health guidance, the group was allowed to stay during the pandemic, but this year it has grown, with an increase in unlawful behavior and expanding dangerously close to the roadway.

“Allowing the situation to persist would further jeopardize the safety of the individuals, and the neighboring public. That’s why we proposed – and earlier this year the County Council approved – funding for cleaning and securing the area and today, after providing notice and offering a temporary alternative site for the vehicles being relocated, the King County Department of Local Services began that process. Following the cleaning of the site, we will enforce no parking in the area, and vehicles will not be allowed to return.

“The allocation of resources and the months of planning have helped to ensure the safety of all the individuals involved, our staff, and the public. This project is only possible through the collaboration of Local Services, the King County Sheriff’s Office, service providers and the King County Regional Homelessness Authority to help the individuals make connections to shelter and other resources.”

King County announced Nov. 3 it will close portions of Green River Road and 94th Place South Nov. 6-22 in the unincorporated area to clear, clean, secure and enforce no parking along the right-of-way areas, according to a County news release. All vehicles will be required to permanently move.

Project location

Work zone with full closure Nov. 6-22:

• Green River Road from 259th Street (near Kent city limits) to slightly south of the Green River Park (soccer field and P-Patch) parking lot.

• 94th Place South from the intersection of Green River Road (aka the Triangle) to approximately one third of a mile to the south. The closed segment does not include any adjacent private residences.

Work zone with intermittent closures/restrictions Nov. 6-22:

• The project also extends approximately 1.5 miles south along Green River Road to the Auburn city limits. This portion of the work will require only intermittent road closures or restrictions.

• Temporary lighting will be in place at the three full road closure barriers. The lighting will be on during all hours of darkness and is powered by generators, so some small engine noise should be expected.

• Work hours will be from approximately 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, including weekends.