Part of eastbound 522 in Bothell to close this weekend

State Department of Transportation crews will take advantage of good fall weather and close eastbound Highway 522 between Highway 527 and Interstate 405 in Bothell from 11:30 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday

When the highway reopens for the morning commute, eastbound Highway 522 drivers will travel on new, straighter lanes, said the DOT.

"This is a busy road — even on the weekend," said Project Engineer Janice Fahning. "We recommend that drivers avoid the area and take alternate routes, but if you are traveling on eastbound SR 522 in Bothell this weekend, allow extra time and be prepared for a six mile detour."

Drivers headed on eastbound Highway 522 will follow a signed detour leading them to northbound Highway 527 and southbound I-405 to reach eastbound Highway 522.

During the closure, crews will connect the eastbound lanes to a newly built and lower roadway that has improved visibility.

Once eastbound Highway 522 traffic is moved on the new lanes, crews will continue the roadway work. If they get enough dry weather to excavate and pave, crews plan to close westbound Highway 522 next month and shift traffic onto new lanes. Crews also hope to finish excavating the 95-foot retaining wall next to the University of Washington Bothell campus entrance and will place mulch and straw over it to help absorb winter rains and to prevent erosion.

"We'll keep on building roadway while the weather is dry", said Fahning. "When the winter rains arrive, we'll focus on building retaining walls and bridges."

The DOT is working with the UW and Cascadia Community College to build a new entrance to the south side of the college campuses. Crews will also build a new roadway for Highway 522 (Bothell Way NE) from the I-405 interchange to Kaysner Way in Bothell. For more information and detour maps, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR522/UW/.