Work to replace vegetation along Market Street and Central Way could impact traffic

The city of Kirkland has begun a project to replace existing plant material with native species along Market Street and Central Way that will last though March of next year.

November 24, 2015 6:38 pm
This rendering shows one of the islands on Market Street in Kirkland that will be worked on through March.
This rendering shows one of the islands on Market Street in Kirkland that will be worked on through March.

The city of Kirkland has begun a project to replace existing plant material with native species along Market Street and Central Way that will last though March of next year.

The landscaped center median islands along Central Way, between 6th Street and 1st Street, and along Market Street, from Central to Forbes Creek Drive, currently require a high level of maintenance in order to keep them attractive while also remaining safe for drivers and pedestrians. The medians are full of a variety of plants, installed over a number of years, some of which require frequent irrigation in order to remain as vibrant as possible. The medians along Market Street for example were constructed and landscaped in the mid 1970s, and the necessary irrigation has long been abandoned.

This project will replace the existing plant material with consistent plants along the corridors that are less dependent on irrigation while also allowing for improved visibility around the medians; the existing trees will all remain. Replacement plant material has been selected to reduce maintenance costs to the island while still providing an attractive corridor for the public.

Work zones will move through the corridors beginning with plant material removal followed by planting activities.

The contractor, Signature Landscaping, will work from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. During progress of the work, left turning movements will be limited in the moving work zones; at times vehicles will be required to change lanes and parking will be impacted locally to the work zone. There may be inconvenience associated with driving through the work zone; traffic control and flagging operations will be in effect when necessary.

Due to Market Street’s configuration, curbside parking will be impacted at times; notification will be posted 24-48 hours in advance of the impacts. Temporary bus stop relocations may occur as well during construction. Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout the construction process.

Although construction noise is inevitable, crews will use several methods to minimize it during construction. These methods include, but are not limited to, using mufflers on engine-powered equipment, prohibiting tail-gate banging, and placing stationary construction equipment as far as possible from residential properties.

For more information on the project call 425-587-3838.