Traffic Impacts: SE May Valley Road Closure Starting June 2026

An upcoming road closure will affect routes to and from school for some families and staff members in the South End of the district, and for those who commute through the area. King County’s Road Services Division will fully close Southeast May Valley Road at Fifteen Mile Creek Bridge for bridge replacement starting in mid-June 2026. This closure may extend into the beginning of the 2026-27 school year.

The project will replace the 94-year-old bridge, which can no longer be safely repaired and maintained, King County officials say.

Our Transportation Department will re-route impacted buses around the construction. Pick-up and drop-off locations will remain the same. Staff from the Transportation Department will communicate any route timing changes directly to families on the affected routes in early June.

Details About the Closure

Closure dates: June 15, 2026, through late August or early September 2026 (10-12 weeks total).

What's closed: Southeast May Valley Road will be completely closed to all traffic, including cars, buses, pedestrians, and bicycles, at the bridge location near Issaquah Hobart Road Southeast. There is no access through the construction zone.

Who's affected: Families and staff living in the May Valley area or commuting through this area. This closure will primarily impact Maple Hills Elementary, Maywood Middle School and Liberty High School, but some other families and staff may be affected as well. A map of the closure and detour route is included on the King County project website.

Action Items for Families and Staff

• If the closure will affect you, identify your detour route by following posted signs
• Practice the new route before the closure begins
• Add extra travel time for morning drop-off and afternoon pickup
• Update carpool arrangements if needed based on new travel patterns

Before School Starts in the fall of 2026 

The road may still be closed when school begins. We will continue to share updates from King County via regular district and school bulletins during the summer and before school begins for the 2026-27 school year.

Questions or Concerns?

For a detour map, details and updates, visit the project website.

Thank you for your patience as King County completes this important infrastructure project.