King County has two projects scheduled this summer to repair Northeast Union Hill Road east of Redmond, and the first one will begin on Monday, July 13.

The two badly needed road safety projects will require the road to be closed between 196th Avenue Northeast and 208th Avenue Northeast. The King County Road Services Division’s first project will replace an old culvert underneath Union Hill Road that has deteriorated. This will be a challenging project and require complete closure of the road, due to deep excavation into the steep slopes alongside the road.

The old culvert will be replaced to prevent future road failure. It will be replaced with a much larger pipe that will improve drainage, protect the roadbed and shoulders and allow fish to pass under the roadway. This project is expected to take up to a month to complete.

The county also hopes to construct a new supporting wall along another section of Union Hill Road that is close to the culvert replacement project. If possible, the second project will overlap with the first, in which case the road closure could last longer. Scheduling for the second project is still being worked out.

The new wall system will help repair damage to the road embankment from previous flooding. The county made temporary repairs last year, but a permanent solution is needed to prevent future damage and road failures. This project will include building a 160-foot long, 16-foot deep structural earth wall on the west side of the roadway.

During the closure of Union Hill Road, area residents and commuters are encouraged to plan alternate routes, and avoid traveling at peak times if possible. Motorists can detour via Novelty Hill Road, Avondale Road, State Route 202 and 208th Avenue Northeast.

For more information about these projects, visit the Road Services Division’s Web site and enter “NE Union Hill Road” in the search area. Or contact Barbara de Michele at (206) 263-3792 or barbara.demichele@kingcounty.gov.