Corridor Concept

Overview

The Newport Way corridor project is a multi-year capital improvement project consisting of Design, Environmental Permitting, Right-of-Way Acquisition and ultimately construction of a new corridor between State Route 900 and SE 54th Street. The purpose of the project is to:

Improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities
Improve vehicle access to neighborhoods
Accommodate future traffic demands
Maintain and/or enhance the corridor character
Provide continuous improvements throughout the corridor

Background

A corridor concept was adopted by City Council on Dec. 4, 2017. The adopted concept described in the Design Report (and appendices) was selected based on engineering and operational analysis, as well as significant input from the community. The concept includes pedestrian features on both sides of Newport, and left the Mountains to Sound Greenway trail on the north side.In 2018, the project design team prepared preliminary 60% plans for the roadway.
In 2019, the City purchased Bergsma as an open space acquisition, and is now responsible for completing the frontage improvements (instead of the developer).
The City completed a Value Engineering Study that indicated potential cost savings by removing elements on the south side of the road, due to the expense of constructing tall retaining walls in order to accommodate sidewalk and landscape features next to the steep slopes on the Bergsma Properties. The study also noted that besides providing cost savings, the recommendations could significantly minimize the number of trees that would be required to be removed when the road is reconstructed. Learn more via this presentation, memo and watch online.
Following council and public input, Issaquah is now proceeding with designing the improvements without a sidewalk or landscape strip along the Bergsma frontage (but still including some space for utilities). This design will not require any right-of-way dedication along the Bergsma frontage.

Timeline

Aug. 2020 – 90 percent design plans complete
- During this time we are finalizing these plans to:
  - Incorporate planter/sidewalk removal and revised wall design along Bergsma
  - Incorporate final conditions following private development along the corridor
  - Finalize culvert design at creek crossings
  - Coordinate with franchise utility providers
2024: right of way acquisition
TBD: Construction (pending funding)