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Starting Today, August 31: Nightly Closures on SR 522/Lake City Way Ramps to and from I-5

by on August 31, 2020
Cars driving on Lake City Way at 24th Ave NE
Lake City Way and 24th Ave NE

Heads up travelers! Starting today, plan for nightly ramp closures at SR 522 (Lake City Way) and I-5 beginning today, August 31. The northbound I-5 off-ramp to SR 522 and the SR 522 on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close nightly Monday through Thursday beginning at 9 PM. The ramps will reopen by 5 AM  the following morning. 

Why are these ramps closing? 

During the closures, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will grind and repave the ramps. This is part of a larger project to repave sections of SR 522 (commonly known as Lake City Way or Northeast Bothell Way), which were last paved in 2002. Asphalt is generally only intended to last 15 years. Almost 40,000 vehicles use this portion of the highway each day, so the aging asphalt is cracking and needs replacement.  

How this work will benefit travelers:

Improving the highway surface removes cracks and wheel ruts where water can collect. It also eliminates potholes and helps prevent new ones from forming. This provides travelers with a safer, smoother ride. 

Here’s what you can expect: 

If you plan on using the northbound I-5 off-ramp to SR 522 and the SR 522 on-ramp to southbound I-5 you’ll need to plan for alternate routes. There will be signed detours.  

What other progress is happening on Lake City Way as part of this project? 

We’re working closely with WSDOT to enhance safety, accessibility, and travel on Lake City Way NE. Construction began in Spring 2020 and is scheduled to be completed in Fall 2021.  

Map showing planned WSDOT repaving and new sidewalks along Lake City Way from NE 145th St. to I-5.

WSDOT will repave the corridor and upgrade curb ramps where necessary, and we’ll construct spot and intersection improvements to enhance walkability and safety for all travelers.  

We collaborated with key stakeholders to develop the project’s design. 

In 2013 we launched a collaborative process – the Lake City Way Traffic Safety Project Task Force – with residents, community groups, Seattle Police, State Patrol, Liquor Control Board, Public Health, WSDOT, and the Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC), to review street conditions on Lake City Way NE. We hosted public events, went door-to-door to local businesses, spoke with neighbors, gathered community input, and discussed strategies to improve safety and mobility along the corridor.  

We’ve used this feedback in addition to collision and speed data to inform our design of these intersection improvements! 

We’re working with WSDOT to make four intersection improvements to improve safety and mobility for pedestrians, bikes, and drivers along the highway. This includes new crosswalks and crossing signals, new sidewalks, and improved curb ramps to provide better sidewalk connections for people of all abilities.  Read on to learn more about these intersection improvements!

Lake City Way NE and NE 137th St 

At Lake City Way NE & NE 135th St, there will be a median island with right-in, right-out only access for NE 135th St, a new curb ramp, a new marked crosswalk, and a new pedestrian-activated crossing signal.
At Lake City Way NE and NE 137th St, there will be a new curb ramp, crosswalk, bus zone, and curb bulb. 

Lake City Way NE & NE 135th St 

At Lake City Way NE & NE 135th St, there will be a median island with right-in, right-out only access for NE 135th St, a new curb ramp, a new marked crosswalk, and a new pedestrian-activated crossing signal.
At Lake City Way NE & NE 135th St, there will be a median island with right-in, right-out only access for NE 135th St, a new curb ramp, a new marked crosswalk, and a new pedestrian-activated crossing signal. 

Lake City Way NE & NE 95th St 

At Lake City Way NE & NE 95th St, there will be multiple new sidewalks, a new curb ramp, a new crosswalk, and a new median island.
At Lake City Way NE & NE 95th St, there will be multiple new sidewalks, a new curb ramp, a new crosswalk, and a new median island. 

Lake City Way NE & NE 82nd St 

At Lake City Way NE & NE 82nd St, there will be a new bike crossing, a new curb ramp, an expanded island, a new crossing signal, a new curb barrier and curb bulb, a new “no-parking” zone, and a new one-way out.
At Lake City Way NE & NE 82nd St, there will be a new bike crossing, a new curb ramp, an expanded island, a new crossing signal, a new curb barrier and curb bulb, a new “no-parking” zone, and a new one-way out. 

Most of this work will take place at night and will require lane reductions, which could create delays for late-night travelers. Some daytime work also could include lane reductions, but will be scheduled to avoid peak hour, peak direction traffic. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained . 

Learn more. Stay in the know. 

Filed Under: SDOT