The major upgrade of First Avenue South and Town Square construction along Fourth Avenue Southwest have created some frustrating traffic backups in Burien.

But, Burien Public Works Director Stephen Clark said recently, those problems should diminish in the next few months.

Much of the work on First Avenue South should be done by May, according to Clark. July is the target month for all work to be done on the major north-south thoroughfare, he added.

Burien residents should start to see a decrease in traffic gridlock when the installation and synchronizing of new traffic lights and the laying of asphalt are finished in May, Clark said.

"The good news is things are moving forward on First Avenue."

Clark added that construction on Fourth Avenue Southwest, Southwest 150th Street and adjacent Town Square sites should be completed by the second quarter of 2009.

In the meantime, he noted, the city tries to keep local residents aware of potential traffic problems through its Web site - www.burienwa.gov -- and the Highline Times.

Bulletins are also posted on reader boards, as well as flaggings and markers on the road.

Clark said that while traffic gridlock has been frustrating, it is for a good reason.

The roadways have needed these upgrades for sometime and the business owners and citizens have expressed the desire to have them fixed, he said.

"It's not without some sacrifice on everybody's part," Clark added. "There is nothing more frustrating than having to wait in traffic."

Clark said it is possible that construction on First Avenue has led to a bit more traffic on Fourth Avenue Southwest, but thinks that gridlock is more due to some of the construction taking place on Fourth.

He noted that Burien has only three main north-south roadways: First, Fourth and Ambaum Boulevard. On any given weekday, First and Ambaum each carry about 30,000 vehicles, while Fourth handles about 18,000.

Clark stressed that the road improvements are needed and that in the end it will benefit the city of Burien and its residents.

"The development, the re-development and construction, is exciting," he said.

Burien City Manager Mike Martin echoed these sentiments.

"Soon we will be reaping the benefits of having a much safer street," Martin said. "It will be worth it in the end."

Until the construction is finished, Clark suggested that Burien travelers "plan their routes very carefully."