Black Diamond Traffic Improvement Advisory: Roberts Drive Closure at State Route 169

The Ten Trails Community and the City of Black Diamond are partnering to bring new, temporary traffic improvements to the corner of Roberts Drive and State Route 169. These changes will help improve the safety of the intersection while Ten Trails development manager Oakpointe Communities and Black Diamond work together to finalize plans for a future roundabout.

Project work includes stormwater control, demolition of the existing Roberts Drive turnoff from State Route 169, and paving a new access road with better sight distance for vehicles. This project is one of many transportation improvements planned as the Ten Trails community continues to grow.

When/where: Work is scheduled to begin on March 31, 2021, and construction is anticipated to last for 30 days. Construction will take place along Roberts Drive between Morgan Street and State Route 169.

Traffic changes: The intersection itself and the portion of Roberts Drive between Morgan Street and State Route 169 will be closed to both vehicles and pedestrians while work is in progress. Traffic will be free to continue along state Route 169 but will not be able to turn west onto Roberts Drive. These closures will be in effect 24 hours a day throughout the entirety of the project. 

Traffic surrounding this area is likely to be more congested during construction, and drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
*School buses will be allowed through the closure by a uniformed police officer stationed at the closure during work hours. All emergency service agencies, school districts, garbage, etc. have been notified of the closure, and service will not be disrupted. Signage will be placed around the construction area three weeks prior to the start of work to help warn drivers to plan ahead.

Detour information/driving directions: Local residents living along Roberts Drive will still have access to their homes, but not directly off of state Route 169 onto Roberts Drive. Local residents must use Morgan Street or Auburn Black Diamond Road to access their homes.

Drivers heading east on Auburn/Black Diamond Road: Heading east into Black Diamond on Auburn/Black Diamond Road, all trucks must turn left onto Lake Sawyer Road. All other vehicles are encouraged to take the Lake Sawyer detour as well. Drivers will head north on Lake Sawyer Road and, after the Lake Sawyer Grocery, turn right onto 288th St. This will take you to State Route 169.

Drivers heading west on Roberts Drive: Drivers with an intent to come off State Route 169 and onto Roberts Drive must find alternate routes if they are trying to head west to Auburn/Black Diamond Road. Drivers can follow the detour along 169, which takes them to 288th St. or can take Jones Road onto Morgan St. Trucks can only take 288th Street.

Visit the city website below for detailed vehicle and truck detour information.

Oakpointe and the City of Black Diamond understand the challenges and inconveniences that commuters, residents, businesses, bicyclists and pedestrians will experience during the closure period, and we ask for patience and cooperation as we work to improve the safety of our roads for everyone in our city.

To stay updated on this project, visit the city’s website at www.ci.blackdiamond.wa.us.