Description

This project is a continuation of the SR 522 Stage 1 and Stage 2 improvements. It will provide road improvements, Business Access and Transit (BAT) lanes from the end of Stage 1 and 2 improvements to 83rd Place NE (the new western City limits). This stage of the project is part of the Sound Transit SR 522/NE 145th Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project that will widen the existing lanes of SR 522 and create BAT lanes in both directions. 

Additionally, this project will add a sidewalk on the north side, install center medians and street lights, and relocate utilities underground. 

Background and Community Benefits

Transit speed and reliability would be improved with the installation of BAT lanes where none exists. This would support the vision of downtown Bothell as a transit-friendly urban core. Installation of a sidewalk on the north side of the highway would allow the neighborhoods to access intersections along SR 522 and cross the regional trail system. This would promote pedestrian and bicycle usage.

The Sound Transit 3 ballot measure allocated funding for this project. The City held a Public Hearing regarding an appeal of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) threshold determination for this project on August 18, 2016.  Read the notice.

The design and right-of-way (ROW) phases of this project were completed in 2018. On March 19th, 2019, the City Council awarded a construction contract to Thomco Construction, Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. 

Schedule

Construction started on Monday, Apr. 29, 2019 and is expected to be completed in Winter 2022.

Construction Update

The Contractor has completed paving all six lanes of traffic and has placed temporary striping for the new traffic lanes. Construction of the median has begun and is expected to last until late November. Construction of sidewalk, planter strips, driveways, and street lighting will continue through until project completion late this fall or early winter. Final striping will happen once the weather is conductive in the spring.

Traffic Impacts (click here for traffic alerts page)

The right eastbound lane remains closed 24/7 from 83rd Pl NE to 91st Ave NE for the safety of the traveling public. While the Contractor is building the median section, there will be a single lane open in each direction within the SR 522 corridor from 83rd Pl NE to 96th Ave NE.

Left turns onto or off of SR 522 through the work zone are prohibited and are expected to remain throughout the duration of the project. The north shoulder of SR 522 that connects the Ivorywood Apartments to 83rd Pl NE remains inaccessible to pedestrians during construction. The north sidewalk that connects 96th Ave NE to the Ivorywood Apartments will remain open for the duration of this project, as will the Burke Gilman Trail between 96th Ave NE and 80th Ave NE. Transit users should plan accordingly and use alternate bus stops when possible.