Delays coming to already-congested 410 during summer months

To all those who curse the daily traffic logjam between Enumclaw and Buckley, just wait – a planned road project on state Route 410 means things will be getting worse.

To all those who curse the daily traffic logjam between Enumclaw and Buckley, just wait – a planned road project on state Route 410 means things will be getting worse.

The state’s Department of Transportation has announced plans to grind away the existing surface and put down new pavement between the White River Bridge and the junction of SR 164 in Enumclaw. A DOT news release warns that motorists can expect “lane reductions during daytime and nighttime hours” while the project is ongoing, meaning further delays for the estimated 20,000 drivers who use that stretch of highway daily.

The project, which carries a price tag of $2.6 million, will begin this spring and be completed during the summer.

In addition to replacing the 410 surface, DOT will simultaneously tackle two other 410 projects. Work will be done to improve drainage near Mud Mountain Road, where groundwater seeps onto the roadway and creates ice during cold weather, and crews will realign the traffic island at the SR 410 intersection with Cole Street, allowing drivers to better see oncoming traffic.

Another DOT project, impacting drivers who travel between Enumclaw and Auburn, was expected to begin last week.

Crews are addressing a stretch of SR 164 from Southeast 408th Street to 196th Avenue Southeast, grinding the two-mile-long section to smooth out bumps. They will also repave a short section with new asphalt near the SR 164 intersection with 196th Avenue Southeast.

About 10,000 vehicles use this section of SR 164 each day and motorists should be prepared for lane closures and delays while crews are working.

The city of Auburn will also be making safety improvements to SR 164 near the Muckleshoot Casino.

Work on the SR 164 project, also estimated to cost $2.6 million, is expected to be completed by the end of spring.