Mercer Island street improvements begin

Two separate road construction projects began this week and several lane closures and delays should be expected. Improvements along S.E. 40th Street between Island Crest Way and 86th Avenue S.E. started on Monday and a resurfacing project along North Mercer Way is scheduled to begin today.

The project on 40th includes the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of 86th and 40th as well, replacing the current light at Island Crest Way and 40th. The street will also be resurfaced, a pedestrian asphalt walkway will be installed with some landscaping and new utilities along the south side of 40th Street and the west side of 86th will be added.

Two speed bumps will also get installed to calm traffic on S.E. 39th St. from Island Crest Way and 86th. An additional pair of speed bumps will be placed north and south of the intersection of 39th and 86th, which are expected to be completed by the end of September. The entire project is scheduled to be finished in January.

A resurfacing project along North Mercer Way that was postponed until the Park and Ride was completed is scheduled to begin on Aug. 6. Some of the work is expected to take place at night to reduce the overall length of the project, which is expected to be finished by the end of the month. Delays and noise are to be expected for the neighborhood and the city advises residents to be aware some construction is expected to take place until midnight on Aug. 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14.

For more information about the S.E. 40th project and for updates, please visit: www.mercergov.org/SE40th or call project manager Joan Weiser at 275-7880. For more information on the North Mercer paving project, visit www.mercergov.org/nmwresurfacing or call Clint Morris, project manager, at 275-7807.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.