In 2008, the City of Kirkland, King County Library System, Sound Transit and King County Wastewater Treatment Division teamed up to coordinate project construction and communications for a new Transit Center on 3rd Street at Central way, a new traffic signal at Kirkland Avenue and 3rd Street, the expansion of the Kirkland Library, and the upgrade to King County’s pump station. The initiative is called “Kirkland Downtown is on the Move.” Since 2008, three of the major construction projects have been completed. The traffic signal was activated in August 2009. The Library expansion was completed in December 2009. The Transit Center opened in February 2011. Work continues on the upgrade of the pump station located at the corner of 3rd Street at Park Lane. These projects bring better library services, improve transit operations, increase sewer capacity and enhance pedestrian and vehicle mobility.
Project backgrounds are provided below:
Kirkland Pump Station & Sewer Upgrade: IN PROGRESS
The King County Wastewater Treatment Division is upgrading its 40-year old pump station at the corner of 3rd Street at Park Lane. These upgrades will increase capacity, ensure safe and reliable operations and to meet current seismic, noise, and odor control standards. The upgrade included the construction of a new pipeline along Kirkland Avenue to the railroad right-of-way near 8th Street. Construction was timed around the completion of the new Kirkland Transit Center. Park Lane (Main Street to 3rd Street) remains closed during this construction period which is expected to end by early 2014. For project and contact information,go to the Kirkland Pump Station and Sewer Upgrade Project webpage.
Transit Center Redevelopment: COMPLETED FEBRUARY 2011
To improve Sound Transit and King County Metro transit services, Sound Transit built a new transit center on 3rd Street between Kirkland Avenue and Central Way. View the Illustrative Site Plan. 
Between fall 2009 and the end of 2010, new bus bays and passenger shelters, enhanced pedestrian crossings, widened sidewalks, landscaping, bicycle amenities and public art were constructed and installed. An entirely new roadway was constructed along 3rd Street. Prior to installation of these new transit amenities, all new utilities including sewer, storm, water, and electrical/communication systems were constructed under the new transit center. For project and contact information, visit Sound Transit's Kirkland Transit Center webpage.
Kirkland Library Expansion: COMPLETED DECEMBER 2009
The Kirkland Library expanded its 15,000 square foot building by 4,000 square feet at the north end of the building. Construction began in January 2009 and was completed in December 2009. The remodel included more materials, computers, wireless access and space for children and teens. The library has a new conference room, a large meeting room and two study rooms. For project and contact information, go to the King County Library System Bond webpage.
Kirkland Avenue/3rd Street Traffic Signal: COMPLETED AUGUST 2009
In December 2008, the City awarded a construction contract to Northeast Electric for a traffic signal at the intersection of 3rd Street and Kirkland Avenue. This signal, which was funded by Sound Transit, was designed to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. In addition to the new signal, the project included curb and gutter, sidewalk, pedestrian crossings, and pavement markers. The traffic signal and intersection improvements were completed in August 2009. For project information, contact City of Kirkland Public Works Capital Improvement Program at 425-587-3800.
Page Update: 10.10.12