Project Facts
- We will widen SR 522 to four lanes between the Snohomish River and US 2 in Monroe.
- Crews will build a new bridge across the river and construct a median to separate opposing lanes of traffic.
- We will start construction in 2010 and complete the work in 2013.
We will widen SR 522 to four lanes, build a new bridge across the Snohomish River, construct a median to separate opposing lanes of traffic between the Snohomish River and US 2, and build a new direct ramp from eastbound SR 522 to eastbound US 2. This project is also referred to as SR 522 - Cathcart Road Vicinity to US 2.
Why is WSDOT
widening SR 522 between the Snohomish River and US 2 in Monroe?
Drivers experience heavy congestion on this section of SR 522. Transforming the road into a four-lane divided highway will reduce congestion and the likelihood of collisions.
The End Result
SR 522 will be four lanes between the Snohomish River and US 2 in Monroe. Crews will also build five bridges for the new roadway, including a 1/3 mile bridge across the Snohomish River, and a new direct ramp from eastbound SR 522 to eastbound US 2.
Project Benefits
• Safety. We will build a median to separate opposing lanes of traffic, reducing the potential for head-on collisions.
• Congestion relief. We will double the capacity of this stretch of SR 522 to improve traffic flow and cut down on drive times. We will also add a new direct ramp from eastbound SR 522 to eastbound US 2 to help relieve congestion at the SR 522/US 2 interchange.
• Environment. We will build detention ponds to improve water quality. The ponds will collect and filter dirty rain water from the highway before it is released slowly into the area waterways, benefitting salmon and other wildlife. The ponds also reduce the potential for flooding in area creeks.
What is the project timeline?
August 2006 - We held an open house at Monroe High School to share project plans and gather community feedback.
May 2008 - We hosted an environmental assessment hearing at Monroe High school.
August 2008 - We expect the Federal Highway Administration to sign a Finding of No Significant Impact.
Dec. 7, 2009 - We plan to advertise the project for competetive bidding.
Spring 2010 - Construction begins
Summer 2013 - Project complete
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. We will hold community meetings and open houses as we continue the design of this project. You can also contact the Design Project Engineer David Edwards.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT is committed to widening SR 522 in an efficient, safe and environmentally responsible way.
The project is designed to meet the Department of Ecology and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations to protect water quality and prevent erosion. WSDOT will replace culverts for better fish passage, create new wetlands for those affected by the project and build retaining walls to preserve existing vegetation and stabilize hill slopes. We are also analyzing the benefits of a wildlife crossing in this contract. Overall, the increase in average travel speeds and reduced delays will improve air quality.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Doubling roadway capacity, widening shoulders and making other safety improvements provide drivers a safer place to travel, decreasing rear-end collisions and sideswipes. Creating a four-lane divided highway will reduce the possibility of head-on collisions.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.
We are beginning to evaluate how this project will affect the environment and as we start the design phase. We will consult the affected tribes as an important part of these tasks.
For more information visit our WSDOT Tribal Liaison website.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following fund sources:
- 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) - $176.3 million
- Other Agency Funds - $200,000
These funds are provided by developer mitigation.
- Total Funding Available from all Sources - $176.5 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Design Engineer David Edwards
9025 El Capitan Way
Everett, WA 98208-3637
Phone: (425) 225-8744
E-mail: EdwardD@wsdot.wa.gov
or
Communications Patty Michaud
9025 El Capitan Way
Everett, WA 98208
Phone: (425) 225-8760
E-mail: mailto:MichauP@wsdot.wa.gov
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