Lisa Van Cise, communications, 206-440-4702

New ramp on SR 518 improves access for Burien redevelopment

BURIEN – Summer construction in Burien is heating up as crews get ready to construct a new two-lane off-ramp from eastbound State Route 518 to Des Moines Memorial Drive.

Contractor crews from Graham Contracting, Ltd. working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will begin work Monday, July 17. The new off-ramp ramp will support the city of Burien's plans to redevelop an old neighborhood on the north side of the highway known as the Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA).

"Building a new off-ramp is no easy task," said WSDOT Project Engineer Aleta Borschowa. "We will need to build a new bridge over Eight Avenue South in order to make space for the new off-ramp. That bridge will become the exit lane to Des Moines Memorial Drive."

In addition to the ramp, crews will also construct new retaining walls and sidewalks on Eighth Avenue South to connect with the existing sidewalk.

Burien's NERA project will increase vehicle traffic in that area during its construction. The new off-ramp from SR 518 to Des Moines Memorial Drive will improve access for both construction and passenger vehicles.

Plan for travel delays during construction

During construction, drivers should plan for single lane closures and delays.

In addition:

• SR 518 will close in both directions for up to three nights.
• Eighth Avenue South will close in both directions for up to eight nights.

The project received $13.4 million in Connecting Washington funding. The ramp is scheduled to open in early 2019.

Know before you go

• For more information on scheduled lane reductions and detours, visit the King County construction page.
• Check the Seattle traffic website for travel times and alerts.