A sewer improvement project scheduled to begin the week of Jan. 5 will bring temporary traffic congestion, lane and sidewalk closures and minor travel delays on a portion of Northeast Bellevue-Redmond Road.

Over next three months, Wastewater Treatment Division contractors will repair a 3,000-linear-foot section of the Lakehills Interceptor that runs beneath Bellevue-Redmond Road from 140th Avenue Northeast to 143rd Avenue Northeast, and partially down Northeast 16th Place.

The Lakehills Interceptor carries wastewater from the south Lake Sammamish area through Bellevue and eventually to the South Treatment Plant in Renton. Repairs to the badly corroded segment are needed to prevent a pipe collapse or raw sewage leak.

Sewer utility crews are scheduled to work Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to as late as 10 p.m. Some weekend work is also likely.

For the duration of the project, the westbound curb lane of Bellevue-Redmond Road will be closed between Northeast 20th Place and 134th Avenue Northeast. Flaggers will direct traffic during busy commute times.

The sidewalk on the north portion of Bellevue-Redmond Road also will be closed to accommodate a temporary above-ground sewer pipe that will keep the system operating during construction.

Sidewalk closures will begin at the west side of 140th Avenue Northeast near the Evergreen Shopping Center and extend to the Highland Community Center and Bellevue Family YMCA on 143rd Avenue Northeast.

Pedestrians will still be able to access Metro Transit’s Route 233 bus stop on 140th Avenue Northeast during the sidewalk closure. The westbound bus stop at Highland Community Center will be moved about 100 feet east of Northeast 20th Place.

While construction is under way, people can expect to see workers and equipment such as large trucks, backhoes and sewer line bypass pumps and pipes. Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians are urged to use caution while traveling near the work area.