A roundabout at the intersection of Southeast 43rd Way and East Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast is taking longer than expected, according to a City of Issaquah Web site project update on Dec. 16.

Public works engineers say construction at the intersection of two arterial roads linking Sammamish and Issaquah is intended to address traffic congestion and enhance safety at this location.

The project was originally planned for construction in mid- to late-summer, but unplanned and required utility work extended the construction schedule by almost two months. Construction crews from road construction company Sanders General Construction are currently focused on landscaping the road junction, which is expected to be complete before the end of the year. Intermittent lane closures will still be needed for the landscaping work.

The final paving surface is expected to be installed in early spring, when weather conditions permit. Guidelines require warm temperatures and dry weather to properly finish the road surface with approximately two inches of asphalt.

“Every couple of years or so you get that warm, dry stretch of days in February,” said Sanders General Construction Site Manager Zack Paris. “It happens, but it’s usually hard to come by.”

The city will close some or all lanes during the final paving and road restriping, and plans to place traffic advisories on the affected roads and along a diversion route at least a week prior to beginning paving work.

Click here to learn more about the roundabout. You can also call the City’s Public Works Engineering Department at 425-837-3400.