Construction updates: Sammamish Bridge and SR 522

Underwater work crucial to removing old bridge piers

Photo Credit – Associated Underwater Services

Updated 10/31/21

Before the pilings for the new West Sammamish bridge could be built the old, decaying concrete and wood piers had to be removed. Imagine working underwater for hours at a time digging out around the pier footings and then cutting free the underlying timbers. That is what Associated Underwater Services (AUS) divers did through August and September. The team of AUS divers had to dig out under the 58-ton concrete footings in order to expose the wood timbers before using an underwater chainsaw to cut the footings free. Each pier was then lifted to the surface.

SR 522 widening project

Image credit – City of Bothell

Construction of sidewalk, planter strips, driveways, and street lighting will continue through until project completion, which is planned for late this fall. The right eastbound lane remains closed 24/7 from 83rd Pl NE to 91st Ave NE for the safety of the traveling public. While the Contractor is building the median section, there will be a single lane open in each direction within the SR 522 corridor from 83rd Pl NE to 96th Ave NE.

Left turns onto or off of SR 522 through the work zone are prohibited and are expected to remain throughout the duration of the project. The north shoulder of SR 522 that connects the Ivorywood Apartments to 83rd Pl NE remains inaccessible to pedestrians during construction. The north sidewalk that connects 96th Ave NE to the Ivorywood Apartments will remain open for the duration of this project

Sources: Associated Underwater Services and City of Bothell Construction Update