Construction of “Phase 1B” of the East Lake Sammamish Parkway project will begin in April. It will widen and make seismic improvements to an existing bridge along the parkway and extend other road improvements about an eighth of a mile north of where the “Phase 1A” ended at Northeast 18th Place.

Improvements will include a center turn lane, median strip, bike lanes, a sidewalk on the east side, and storm water facilities to prevent oil and other pollutants from running off into the lake.

The construction project on the parkway has been very controversial, proving to be unpopular with many residents who question whether it will improve capacity or traffic flow.

Parkway users should expect single lane closures between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., with delays lasting up to 20 minutes. Completion is expected by early fall.

At a joint meeting of the Issaquah and Sammamish city councils on Tuesday night, Issaquah councilmember Joshua Schaer said that motorists should plan for the complete closure of the roundabout at the intersection of East Lake Sammamish Parkway and SE 43rd Way, to enable work crews to pave and complete the roundabout. That work is scheduled for 3 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Sunday, March 21, dependent on the weather. Check the City of Issaquah’s Web site, www.ci.issaquah.wa.us., for updates.