County hosts community discussion on protecting roads
near North Bend during flooding on Clough Creek

King County is exploring ways to protect roadways during flooding on Clough Creek south of North Bend, and is inviting people to attend one of two community discussions to find out more.

Clough Creek crosses 415th Avenue/Way Southeast in several locations south of Interstate 90 near the Uplands neighborhood. During the past winter, the road was closed 15 days due to flooding. This impacts approximately 300 homes in the area, and causes significant detours for school buses. Also, repairs to the roadway over the past three winter seasons have totaled more than $150,000.

The King County Road Services Division would like to build a short span bridge on 415th Way to allow more water to flow under the roadway. This would replace the existing culverts underneath the road that become clogged and block the creek, causing it to spill over the road.

The division is currently seeking grant funding for this project. If the project receives funding, the county would probably have to close the road for several weeks for construction. The earliest this would happen is summer 2010.

The division is hosting the two open house discussions to share information and get feedback about the project ideas. They will be held:

• Tuesday, Aug. 11
2-4 p.m.
North Bend Library, 115 E. Fourth St.

• Thursday, Aug. 13
5:30-7:30 p.m.
North Bend Elementary School, 400 E. Third St.

For more information about these sessions, contact Sarah Luthens, Community Relations Planner, by email or phone at  (206) 684-1154.