Issaquah’s West Sunset Way landslide project enters partial-closure phase

West Sunset Way returned to flagger-controlled partial closures on August 1 as Issaquah continues a project addressing a slow-moving landslide about 200 feet west of Sunset Court NW.

The current traffic phase is scheduled to continue through September 30, 2026. The City of Issaquah says drivers should expect delays and follow flagger instructions while crews work in the roadway.

Current traffic pattern

West Sunset Way remains passable during the current phase, but traffic is controlled around the work area. Drivers should allow additional travel time and follow posted directions and flagger instructions.

September 30 is the scheduled end of the published partial-closure phase. It is not confirmation that all construction has been completed. The city’s project page lists September as the expected completion month.

What happened during the full closure

The city’s traffic schedule began with a partial closure and flaggers from July 7 through July 12. West Sunset Way was then fully closed from July 13 through July 31 for the work expected to have the greatest effect on the roadway.

During that full closure, the city directed through traffic onto a detour using Mt. Olympus Drive SW and Mountain Park Boulevard SW. The city also said pedestrian access would be provided through the work zone.

Why the city is doing the work

City project information describes the landslide as slow moving. Over time, it has caused the adjacent sidewalk to settle and placed pressure on underground utilities.

The city says surface water runoff from the hillside and roadway has been seeping into the ground, saturating underlying soil and contributing to movement and instability in the slide area.

Utilities and sidewalk included

The Sunset Way Landslide and Utility Improvement Project includes improvements to storm, sewer and water systems. The work is intended to intercept surface water runoff and groundwater flow before it enters the project area.

The city also plans to replace the damaged sidewalk within the landslide area with a reinforced sidewalk section. The city’s published traffic information says pedestrian access was to be provided through the work zone during the July full closure.

Construction award

At its April 20, 2026, meeting, the Issaquah City Council awarded the construction contract for the Sunset Way Landslide and Utility Improvement Project, also identified as TR 061, to Fury Site Works Inc. for $909,218.91. The city’s motions report says the motion carried 6-0 and authorized the mayor to execute the related agreement.

That document is an informational motions report; it states that the approved meeting minutes serve as the official record.

For drivers, pedestrians and nearby residents, the practical effect through the scheduled September 30 phase end is continued traffic control and possible delays along West Sunset Way. The schedule may change as construction proceeds, so travelers should follow current signs and flagger instructions.

Sources

• City of Issaquah traffic alert: W Sunset Way