Repaving East Portion Of Boeing Freeway (526) Begins Monday

June 8, 2017

Everett

Boeing freewayIf you take the Boeing Freeway be prepared for summer construction work from west of Evergreen Way to the Eastmont interchange. Here’s what you need to know from the Washington State Department of Transportation. Click to enlarge map of work area on left.

Overview
Contractor crews will grind and repave State Route 526/Boeing Freeway in Everett from west of Evergreen Way to Southeast Everett Mall Way. They will also grind and repave all four ramps at the Evergreen Way interchange and portions of several ramps at the Interstate 5 interchange.

In addition, five expansion joints on the northbound I-5 flyover ramp to westbound SR 526 will be replaced. Four existing pedestrian ramps at the Evergreen Way interchange will also be rebuilt to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines.

Why is WSDOT paving SR 526 between 5th Avenue West and I-5?
The pavement on this stretch of SR 526 is showing its age with ruts and cracks, which can lead to potholes. Asphalt is generally only intended to last 15 years. This area was last paved in 1985. Sections of asphalt have been repaired, but the surface continues to deteriorate. Repaving is necessary because the highway is a primary route to the Boeing Everett factory, averaging up to 78,000 vehicles a day.

Overnight full highway closures planned
While most of the work can be completed through nighttime lane and ramp closures, some overnight full highway closures are needed to keep crews and the traveling public safe. Due to limited shoulder space, there is not enough room for construction crews and traffic to safely share the road in some areas. Drivers can expect:
Up to six full closures of all westbound lanes.
Up to three full closures of all eastbound lanes.
Up to three full closures of Southeast Everett Mall Way.
Westbound and eastbound closures will not occur at the same time.

The End Result
This project will provide drivers with a smoother, safer ride on SR 526. New pavement will preserve the life of the roadway and reduce maintenance needs.

Project Benefits
Safety: Improving the highway surface eliminates and helps prevent future potholes, cracks and wheel ruts where water can collect. This gives drivers a safer, smoother ride. Reconstructed ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps create an easier transition between street and sidewalk.
Economic: Paving reduces the need for emergency pavement repairs, which are costly to taxpayers and can cause additional congestion during peak commute hours.

What is the project timeline?
March 2017: Project was advertised for competitive bidding.
April 2017: Project was awarded to Cemex Construction Materials Pacific, LLC.
Summer 2017: Construction is scheduled to begin.
Late 2017: Construction is scheduled to be complete.


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