Emergency Proclamation Supports Regional Wastewater Pipe Repair

Published on September 16, 2025

Media Contact:
Angela Brown
Communications Program Coordinator
abrown@kirklandwa.gov

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Kirkland City Manager Kurt Triplett issued an Emergency Proclamation yesterday in response to King County’s declaration of urgency regarding work needed on the Eastside Interceptor, a regional wastewater pipeline that runs along the Cross Kirkland Corridor (CKC). The Kirkland City Council will consider ratification of the Emergency Proclamation at tonight’s September 16 Council Meeting.

The emergency proclamation provides the City maximum flexibility in supporting King County’s repair of a sagging segment of the Interceptor that has been leaking wastewater into Kirkland’s Houghton B1 Stream. Without immediate action, the compromised section of pipe poses a risk of structural failure that could result in an uncontrolled wastewater overflow reaching Lake Washington.

“The City’s emergency proclamation underscores the seriousness of this situation and ensures we can act quickly to safeguard public health, the environment, and our community infrastructure,” said City Manager Kurt Triplett. “We will continue working closely with King County and applicable state agencies to keep our community safe throughout this repair work.”

King County’s repair project includes installing a temporary bypass pipeline along the CKC. This will require a temporary full closure of the CKC trail for approximately two weeks, followed by partial trail access and intermittent closures over the next several weeks. The City and King County will identify several alternative detour routes with a focus on safety for all trail users. The work area is from NE 52nd Street south to 108th Ave NE near the South Kirkland Park and Ride. Work is expected to begin as early as the week of September 29, 2025.

King County is leading communications for the repair project. Updates about construction impacts and detour routes will be shared with the community as they are finalized.

Information about the City’s support for this project is available on the City’s website, along with a link to the County’s project webpage.

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