Construction season is approaching and for South King County drivers using State Routes 164 and 410 that will mean fresh pavement and a smoother drive in the coming months.

Three projects will repair and repave nearly six miles of cracked and rutted pavement in the Auburn and Enumclaw areas.

Repaving two sections of SR 164

SR 164 connects Auburn and Enumclaw. Ruts, cracks and potholes in the pavement between these two cities have created areas where water can collect and reduce traction. The Washington State Department of Transportation has two paving projects that will resurface the roadway, improving driving conditions.

Contractor crews will begin work on SR 164 from Southeast 408th Street to 196th Avenue Southeast on Monday, March 13.

• Crews will replace 38 of the nearly 70-year-old concrete panels and grind the 2-mile-long section to smooth out bumps.

• They will also repave a short section with new asphalt near the SR 164 intersection with 196th Avenue Southeast.

• About 10,000 vehicles use this section of SR 164 each day.

• Work will take place during daytime and nighttime hours. Drivers should be prepared for lane closures and delays while crews are working.

• The $2.6 million project will be complete by the end of spring.

Paving on the second section of SR 164, from SR 18 to 17th Street Southeast in Auburn, begins later in the summer.

• Crews will grind and repave the roadway to remove cracks, potholes and wheel ruts.

• About 34,000 vehicles use this section of SR 164 each day.

• Work will take place during daytime and nighttime hours. Drivers should be prepared for lane closures and delays during the work.

• The $2.3 million project will also improve 22 sidewalk ramps, making it easier for pedestrians to cross the street.

The City of Auburn is also making safety improvements to SR 164 near the Muckleshoot Casino.

Pavement and drainage work on SR 410

The pavement on SR 410 from the White River Bridge to SR 164 in Enumclaw is cracked and rutted. With about 20,000 vehicles using this section of highway each day, the road is in need of repair.

• Crews will grind out the old asphalt and repave the roadway to create a smoother driving surface, free of ruts, cracks and potholes.

• They will also improve drainage near Mud Mountain Road where groundwater seeps onto the roadway and creates ice in cold weather.

• In addition, crews will realign the traffic island at the SR 410 intersection with Cole Street so drivers will be able to see oncoming traffic more easily.

• Drivers should expect lane reductions during daytime and nighttime hours.

• Work on the $2.6 million project will begin in the spring and wrap up in the summer.