Two East Mercer Way projects under construction

Expect brief delays in the 6600 block to Southeast 71st Street during work hours.

Construction work on the city’s Roadside Shoulder Improvements – East Mercer Way Phase 9 project was scheduled to begin this week, covering the portion from the 6600 block to Southeast 71st Street.

The city is continuing to install storm drainage pipes and create a new asphalt shoulder along the southbound side of East Mercer Way to allow safer pedestrian and bicycle use. The project should be completed by the end of April.

During work hours (typically weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the roadway will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic and controlled by flaggers. Motorists and cyclists should expect only brief delays through the area. Residents in and near the project have been notified of the pending construction.

This project will have minor impacts to several school bus routes and Metro’s 201 bus route.

Learn more about the city’s multi-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) online, and for more information, contact Street Engineer Clint Morris at clint.morris@mercergov.org.

In addition, this week city contractor Kemp West Tree Service will be removing nine trees in the 6500 block of East Mercer Way, adjacent to Engstrom Open Space, as part of a City Natural Resource project.

These trees, primarily big leaf maples, currently lean toward the roadway and will be removed to avoid blow downs and protect public safety. Residents can expect intermittent, brief lane closures during this work.

For more information, please contact Natural Resources Manager Alaine Sommargren at alaine.sommargren@mercergov.org.