Kirkland downtown is on the move toward better library, transportation and water quality services. The following capital improvement projects will be constructed in the coming years to improve library services, transit operations, sewer capacity, and pedestrian and vehicle mobility.
Kirkland Transit Center :
10/7/09: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m. Site of the future transit center, 3rd Street & Park Lane Join us as we break ground on this important transportation project that will improve local and express bus service to the heart of downtown. For more information. View the Illustrative Site Plan. 
9/4/09: The Transit Center will relocate on September 19 in preparation for construction of the new Center. During construction, the eight (8) bus routes that use the transit center will be redirected for approximately one year. This includes King County Metro Transit routes 230, 234, 236, 238, 245, 248 and 255 and Sound Transit Express 540. These routes will be redirected to bus stops on Central Way just east of Third Street and on Sixth Street south of Fourth Avenue. Visit Metro’s website at
http://metro.kingcounty.gov/ for a map of these temporary stops (starting September 14). According to King County Metro Transit, these changes in Kirkland coincide with Metro Transit’s seasonal service change that also starts on September 19. Bus riders can prepare by picking up a new purple timetable and using the online Trip Planner at
http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/. Enter a travel date of September 19 or later to find the changed service.
Project Background
To improve Sound Transit and King County Metro transit services, Sound Transit is building a new transit center on 3rd Street between Kirkland Avenue and Central Way. Between fall 2009 and fall 2010, new bus bays and passenger shelters, enhanced pedestrian crossings, widened sidewalks, landscaping, bicycle amenities and public art will be constructed and installed. An entirely new roadway will be constructed along 3rd Street. Prior to installation of these new transit amenities, all new utilities including sewer, storm, water, and electrical/communication systems will be constructed under the new transit center. As part of this project, transit operations will be temporarily relocated to Central Way and 6th Street during construction. Traffic impacts include Park Lane (Main Street to 3rd Street) being closed through construction and only northbound traffic being allowed on 3rd Street between Kirkland Avenue and Central Way. Kirkland Transit Center Construction Staging & Timeline
Kirkland Library Expansion:
8/7/09 Update: The project is on schedule. Limited library services are available at Parkplace Books. Books may be returned at any King County Library System library.
Project Background
The Kirkland Library is on the move to expand its 15,000 square foot building by 4,000 square feet at the north end of the building. The City has issued building permits. Construction began in January 2009 and should be complete in one year. During construction, limited Library services will be available in shared space at Parkplace Books, 401 Parkplace and the top surface of the Peter Kirk Municipal Garage used for library visitor parking will be closed; the two lower levels will remain open.
Kirkland Avenue/3rd Street Traffic Signal:
8/7/09 Update: The signal is installed and operational.
Project Background
In December 2008, the City awarded a construction contract to Northeast Electric for a traffic signal at the intersection of 3rd Street and Kirkland Avenue. This signal, which is funded by Sound Transit, will improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. In addition to the new signal, the project includes curb and gutter, sidewalk, pedestrian crossings, and pavement markers.
Kirkland Pump Station & Sewer Upgrade:
The King County Wastewater Treatment Division is upgrading its 40-year old pump station at the corner of 3rd Street at Park Lane. These upgrades will increase capacity, ensure safe and reliable operations and to meet current seismic, noise, and odor control standards. The upgrade also includes the construction of a new pipeline along Kirkland Avenue from the pump station east to the railroad right-of-way near 10th Street. The pipeline will cross underneath the railroad. These construction activities are scheduled to begin in early 2011 with scheduled completion by late 2012. Park Lane from 3rd Street to Main Street will remain closed during construction.
Kirkland Wednesday Market
8/7/09: Since its season opening in May, the Kirkland Wednesday Market has been open at Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plaza Drive. Market hours: 2 - 7 p.m. the Market is open through October 14.
Background
The Transit Center and Pump Station projects will impact the operations of the Kirkland Wednesday Market. The City, Kirkland Downtown Association and Market organizers worked together to identify a new location.
Businesses Remain Open During Construction
Businesses near the construction areas will remain open. Please “buy local” and patronize downtown stores, restaurants and service companies.
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Agency Contacts: |
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Kirkland Library Expansion
Early 2009- Late 2009
Contact: Elsa Steele
Phone: 425-822-2459
Web: King County Library System
3rd Street Traffic Signal Installation
COMPLETE
Contact: Rod Steitzer Kirkland Public Works
Phone: 425-587-3825
Web: Downtown On the Move
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Kirkland Transit Center
Construction and transit relocation: Fall 2009-Fall 2010
Contact: Roger Iwata, Sound Transit
Phone: 206-689-4904
Web: Sound Transit
(Search: Kirkland Transit Center)
Kirkland Pump Station & Sewer Upgrade
Early 2011 – Spring 2013
Contact: Monica Van der Vieren, King County Wastewater Treatment Division
Phone: 206-263-7301
Web: King County
(Search: Kirkland Pump Station) |