SR 522 Stage 3
This project is a continuation of the SR 522 Stage 1 and Stage 2 improvements. It will provide road improvements and 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 Business Access and Transit (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 currently exist. 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 are complete. On March 19th, 2019, the City Council awarded a construction contract to Thomco Construction, Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
Schedule
Construction began on Monday, Apr. 29, 2019.
Construction Update
Utility Work Begins
Construction related to franchise utilities began in October and is expected to last through winter 2020. Most of the work will be done during the day but there will be times when night work is required. Expect lane closures during off-peak travel times as well as periodic lane shifts. Left turns remain prohibited between 96th Ave. NE and 83rd Pl. NE. The utility work is expected to be completed by spring 2020.
No Left Turns During Lane Shift
Beginning early June, all lanes of traffic were shifted to the north side of SR 522. During this phase, drivers are unable to turn left onto or off of SR 522 through the work zone. This restriction will continue when all lanes are shifted to the south side of SR 522 and is expected to last through the duration of the project.
No Shoulder Access During Lane Shift
The north shoulder of SR 522 that connects the Ivorywood Apartments to 83rd Pl. NE will be 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.