244th Avenue NE Slide Repair Project 

Overview

This project will replace a damaged 90-foot-long retainment wall located below the north side of 244th Avenue NE near Redmond Fall City Road (State Route 202). The existing support wall suffered slide damage in winter 2020 and can no longer reliably support the edge of the roadway. The wall will be replaced, and the roadway will return to the full width in fall 2024.

In February 2020, King County Road Services temporarily placed a barrier next to the damaged section of wall and moved both travel lanes over. The barrier and lane shift were put in place as a safety precaution to help prevent the road from damage and to stop the wall from shifting further.

Narrowing the width of both travel lanes allows this section of road to remain open in both directions until the retaining wall is replaced in summer 2024.

Location map

The project is located on the west side (southbound) of 244th Avenue NE, adjacent to the city of Sammamish.

Larger view (277KB)

Project detour 

Road Services must close 244th Avenue NE for fifteen days during the project. The road will be closed to all vehicles including emergency response vehicles, bikes, and cars. The eight-and-a-half-mile-long detour may add an extra 15 minutes to your trip. Travelers should add plenty of extra travel time through the area when this project is under construction. 

View larger (316KB)

Existing conditions

Looking south: This is the view heading southbound on 244th Avenue NE. The damaged gabion wall is located below the shoulder, to the right of the guardrail. Narrowing the width of both travel lanes allows this section of road to remain open in both directions until the support wall is repaired.

Road maintenance crews continuously monitor the road for damage and to make sure the support wall has not shifted further. For example, crews repaired a large, cracked section of 244th Avenue NE on January 19, 2022. The damaged asphalt was caused by significant ice followed by rain during the recent winter storm.

What to expect during construction

• Work will occur in summer 2024 and will last approximately three (3) months.
• The county will close the road for up to fifteen (15) days at the start of construction to accommodate large equipment needed to build the new retainment wall. We will provide a posted detour when the road is closed.
• After the 15-day full road closure, the project will reduce 244th Avenue NE down to one lane for the duration of the project to maintain a safe work zone.
• A temporary traffic lane will alternate both directions of traffic through the work zone.

Why can't King County make the repairs sooner than summer 2024?

We planned to do the project this summer, however it is taking more time than anticipated to acquire the necessary construction materials to start and finish work before the 2024/25 school year begins. King County is committed to completing construction on this busy school bus route during the summer months when school is not in session.

How can neighbors, drivers and community members stay informed about the project?

King County Road Services is working closely with the City of Sammamish to keep the community up to date. We will do the following before and during construction:

• Update the project website regularly.
• Provide updates on X/Twitter (@KCroads) and on MyCommute (kingcounty.gov/MyCommute).
• Post signs alerting drivers to upcoming or current road restrictions with dates and detour route.
• Send email notices (sign up for Road Alert email notifications).
• Send a postcard to people living near the work area with complete construction timeline and closure details.
• Speak with community groups upon request; please contact abresslour@kingcounty.gov to schedule a meeting.

Project timeline

• Environmental review: Spring 2022
• Construction begins: Summer 2024 (anticipated)
• Construction ends: Fall 2024 (anticipated)