We will repave SR 520 between I-405 in Bellevue and West Lake Sammamish Parkway in Redmond and construct new, stronger, smoother concrete slabs at the ends of five bridges.
Why is WSDOT
rebuilding the bridge approaches on SR 520?
As many as 112,000 drivers travel the route each weekday, and up to 78,000 a day on the weekend. Drivers face a jarring bump at overpasses where the asphalt meets concrete bridges. Asphalt is a weaker material that is more vulnerable to water and freezing damage than sturdy concrete. The asphalt road is settling and crumbling in places and it's time to upgrade the roadway. We will replace the crumbling asphalt with new concrete slabs where the road meets the concrete overpasses. Other parts of the route will be repaved to extend the life of the road.
The End Result
A smoother, safer drive between Redmond and Bellevue with stronger, longer-lasting seams near overpasses.
Project Benefits
Safety: New pavement will cover wheel ruts where water pools on the road. Once the project is completed, there will be less tire spray and less chance of hydroplaning for drivers.
Economic incentive: It's important to rebuild and repave roads before they become too damaged, costly and time-consuming to replace.
New slabs of concrete on either side of concrete overpasses will last 30 or 40 years. New asphalt paving along the route will last about 15 years.
Repaving SR 520 before it breaks down further will keep traffic flowing to Eastside and Seattle job and shopping centers.
What is the project timeline?
- November 2008: Project advertised to contractors
- Jan. 20, 2009: We awarded the project contract to Granite Northwest.
- March 2009: We began construction
- Early fall 2009: We expect to complete construction
Financial Information
Total funding: $8.1 million in gas taxes
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Carl Barker
WSDOT Asst. Project Engineer
1715 228th Street SE, Ste 106
Bothell, WA 98021
Phone: (425) 489-5403
E-mail: barkerc@wsdot.wa.gov
Meghan Soptich Pembroke
WSDOT Communications
15700 Dayton Avenue N.
PO Box 330310
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: (206) 440-4704
E-mail: Pembrom@wsdot.wa.gov
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