SR 522 Improvement Project Update

The look of the SR 522 corridor is changing, and there are several major construction activities taking place in the next few months. Below is a list of work that is planned for this winter.

Planning for SR 522 Paving

Early in 2009 crews will complete substantial paving on SR 522 in the vicinity of 68th Ave. NE to 83rd Pl. NE. This work will include breaking and removing existing pavement, installing medians and bus pads, and paving the roadway. In order to minimize disruptions to traffic and to alleviate congestion, this will be scheduled as weekend work. It is anticipated that the work will take place for two consecutive weekends, and the roadway will be limited to one lane in each direction during the construction.

This paving work has not yet been scheduled and is weather-dependent. However, once scheduled, information will be made available through numerous outlets, including the project website at www.KenmoreSR522.com.

Swamp Creek Bridge Nearing Completion

Cars are already driving on the rebuilt south side of the Swamp Creek Bridge, and crews are now nearing completion on the north side of the bridge. Bridge girders were placed in October, and crews set the bridge deck in November. Crews are now working to connect the bridge to the existing roadway with approach slabs. It is anticipated that the remaining bridge work, including the installation of railings and the construction of curbs and sidewalks, will be finished toward the end of December or early in 2009.

Thank you for your continued patience during construction. We recognize that living, doing business and driving through an active construction zone can be frustrating. In the end, the SR 522 Improvement Project will not only increase safety, improve transit reliability, and ease congestion, but will also feature a nice gateway to Kenmore with new street lights, landscaping, and sidewalks.

New Way to Drive on SR 522 – U-turns

When improvements are complete along the SR 522 corridor, there will be new U-turns in place to allow drivers safe access to businesses throughout Kenmore. The U-turns will facilitate movements around the traffic medians constructed as part of the paving project mentioned above. The new traffic medians and U-turns will increase safety by managing access points along the roadway; they will also decrease congestion.

The landscaped medians will be located in the center lane of SR 522 and will control turns (including U-turns) in designated areas. Medians and U-turns are planned at a number of locations along SR 522 (see graphic for signal and U-turn locations near medians).

Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns regarding the project, or if you would like more information, please contact us at (425) 361-6300 or info@KenmoreSR522.com. Or, visit the SR 522 Improvement Project website at www.KenmoreSR522.com and sign up for construction e-mail updates.