In this alert: Soil stabilization work along 112th Ave SE and construction traffic impacts in south Bellevue

Soil stabilization activities

Work to stabilize soil along 112th Avenue Southeast is underway. Sound Transit's contractor will install temporary steel sheet piles, construct an embankment surcharge which over time will compact the soil below, and begin ground improvements for the future light rail alignment.

Where: Between Mercer Slough and 112th Avenue Southeast, from Bellevue Way Southeast to just north of Southeast 15th, adjacent to Bellefield Office Park.

When: Sheet pile installation began this week and is expected to last approximately five weeks. This timeline is subject to change based on installation rate. Following the installation, crews will begin work to stabilize the ground between the sheet pile barrier and 112th Avenue Southeast.

Work hours: Work is expected to occur between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday-Friday.

What to expect: Crews will install large interlocking steel sheets into the ground. The final result will be a vertical interlocking system that creates a continuous wall. Sheets will be pushed into the ground using vibration and hydraulic hammers. A large mound of soil called an embankment surcharge will be placed near Southeast 15th. Over time, this mound will compact the soil underneath.

Heavy machinery: excavators, loaders, hydraulic hammers, concrete trucks.

Noise: There will be noise from impact driving and vibrating of the sheet piles into the ground and associated equipment during installation, but only during daytime hours.

Weekend and weekly lane closures

Weekend August 5-6

No weekend closures planned—Bellevue Way Southeast will remain open during the weekend of August 5-6.

Week of August 7-10

Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: As needed, Sound Transit's contractor may close one northbound lane of 112th Avenue Southeast between Main Street and Southeast 6th for utility work.

Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.: As needed, Sound Transit's contractor may close one southbound lane on 112th Avenue Southeast, between Main Street and Southeast 6th.

Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.: As needed, Sound Transit's contractor may close one northbound lane of Bellevue Way Southeast will be closed from the north end of the South Bellevue Station site to the Wye at 112th Avenue Southeast.

Monday-Friday 8 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Daily/overnight closure of the Bellevue Way Southeast to I-90 west HOV ramp. The duration of these closures may vary based on the needs of the contractor, but the ramps are expected to remain open from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Daily/overnight closures of the Bellevue Way Southeast to I-90 west HOV ramp are expected to continue on a regular basis throughout the project. During the closures the contractor is performing work to construct the columns and guideway.

Reminder of ongoing closures

24-hour closure: The northbound lanes of 112th Avenue Southeast between Bellevue Way Southeast and Southeast 15th will be closed and traffic will be diverted to the two southbound lanes (one lane in each direction will remain open). The sidewalk on the east side of 112th Avenue Southeast between Southeast 8th and Bellevue Way Southeast will also close for approximately four months. People walking can cross 112th Avenue Southeast at Southeast 8th and use the sidewalk on the west side of 112th Avenue Southeast. The speed limit between Bellevue Way Southeast and Main Street will be reduced from 35 mph to 30 mph through the duration of East Link construction. New signage will be posted.

24-hour closure: Southeast 15th Street will be closed for approximately three years, as crews begin preparing the area for construction of the road-over-rail crossing. Workers and visitors wishing to access Bellefield Office Park will use 114th Avenue Southeast from Southeast 8th Street.

24-hour closure: The sidewalk on Bellevue Way Southeast between the Wye at 112th Avenue Southeast and the South Bellevue Station site is closed. This closure will continue for approximately 2 ½ years; people biking and walking should seek alternate routes.

24-hour closure: The sidewalk on the west side of 112th Avenue Southeast, between East Main and Southeast 6th is closed due to construction activities on the west side of 112th Avenue Southeast. People walking are asked to use the sidewalk on the east side of 112th Avenue Southeast, crossing at the signalized intersections located at Main Street and Southeast 6th. The King County Metro bus stop located between Main Street and Southeast 4th has been relocated to a new location on the west side of 112th Avenue NE, north of Main Street. The King County Metro stop located south of Southeast 4th has been relocated to a new location on the west side of 112th Avenue Southeast, south of Southeast 6th.

24-hour closure: The parking lots at the Winters House and Blueberry Farm are closed for East Link construction. Access to Mercer Slough Park and the trail system will remain open. During the closure, parking will be available at a new temporary parking lot located near the South Bellevue Station site. The new lot is for Mercer Slough Park users and a 3-hour maximum will be enforced. Commuter parking will NOT be allowed at this lot.

A look ahead

Sound Transit's contractor expects regular weekend closures to continue into November. A full closure similar to what occurred the weekend of July 15-16 is expected to be repeated over the weekend of Aug. 12-13, followed by partial closures over the weekend of 19-20 and 26-27. Bellevue Way Southeast is expected to remain open over the Labor Day holiday weekend. A second nine-day closure of the Bellevue Way Southeast to westbound I-90 HOV ramp is expected from Saturday, Aug. 12—Monday Aug. 21.