Work is scheduled to begin this week to place sandbags along the banks of the Green River in Tukwila to help prevent flooding in the Green River Valley.

The Green River Trail in Tukwila runs north-south along the banks of the Green River through most of the city.

Sandbags approximately 3 feet wide and 3 feet high will be placed on top of the trail. Installation of the sandbags is expected to be complete by Nov. 7.

Closure of the trail will extend from the southern Tukwila city limits to the area just north of I-405. Future closures of portions of the trail north of I-405 are anticipated.

Trail closure signs will be placed at major access points during installation of the sandbags, and will remain in place for as long as flood protection measures are necessary.

Trail closures may be needed for as long as five years according to current estimates on the length of time required for repairs to the Howard Hanson Dam.

Green River Trail users should be prepared to use alternate routes, including the Interurban Trail, which runs through Tukwila from South 180th Street to approximately Fort Dent Way.

Additionally, bicyclists can legally ride on most public streets and sidewalks in the city.

Due to water seepage in an earthen bank next to the Howard Hanson Dam, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is limiting the amount of water stored behind the dam until repairs can be made.

This situation puts the City of Tukwila and other areas of the Green River Valley at increased risk of flooding this winter, and in coming years until such time as the repairs to the Howard Hanson Dam are completed.