King County will be improving traffic safety along Northeast Novelty Hill Road east of Redmond with federal funding from the Rural Safety Innovation Program (RSIP).

The proposed safety improvements include lower-cost projects that use technology to enhance roadway safety. The improvements include: installing warning flashers that detect the presence of approaching vehicles; driver feedback signs that measure and display the speed of approaching vehicles; and message signs that warn drivers when they are going faster than the advised speed limit. The federal RSIP program is part of a national effort to help local and state governments reduce crashes on dangerous rural roads.

Work will begin the week of Aug. 17 on Novelty Hill Road, where the project area stretches for about three-quarters of a mile east of 243rd Avenue Northeast. Crews will be setting poles for the new signs, followed by installation of new equipment. The roadway will remain open, but there could be intermittent lane closures.