SE Covington-Sawyer-Road at 164th Place SE Sightline Improvements Project

Overview

This project will improve sightlines for westbound traffic on SE Covington-Sawyer Road approaching the intersection of 164th Place SE near Kent, WA. There is a sharp curve at this location that limits westbound drivers from seeing oncoming, eastbound traffic. King County will remove the steep section of curved hillside on SE Covington-Sawyer Road approaching 164th Place SE and replace it with a retaining wall. The improvements will increase visibility of oncoming traffic and allow for more stopping distance approaching 164th Place SE.

Timeline

• Environmental review: Spring 2022
• Construction begins: Spring or summer 2026 (anticipated)
• Construction ends: Fall 2026 (anticipated)

Budget

The estimated total project budget is $1.2M. This project is funded through the FHWA Highway Safety improvement Program (HSIP).

Project map

The project is located on SE Covington-Sawyer Road approaching the intersection with 164th Place SE, near Covington, WA and Kent, WA.

Existing conditions on SE Covington-Sawyer Road

Looking north: This is the view heading westbound around the sharp curve on SE Covington-Sawyer Road, approaching 164th Place SE. The project will clear a section of the hillside shown above on the right side of the photo and replace it with a retaining wall. The oncoming traffic in this photo is heading eastbound.

Looking south: The vehicles in this photo are heading eastbound on SE Covington-Sawyer Road approaching 164th Place SE. The project will clear the hillside on the inside of this sharp curve and replace it with a retaining wall. The improvements will make it easier for westbound traffic to see around the sharp curve.