Crews working for WSDOT have laid the last few feet of permanent striping on newly-repaved lanes of SR 520 between Bellevue and Redmond. Crews have been working since March to repave nearly four miles of the freeway and replace bridge approaches on SR 520.

“This is an important route for Puget Sound drivers, and we thank them for their patience this summer,” said Carl Barker, WSDOT project engineer. “The new pavement and bridge slabs will help preserve the roadway and reduce costly temporary repairs to SR 520.”

Work on the $9.4 million project began this spring. Nearly every weekend in March and April, crews closed multiple lanes on the freeway while they replaced the approaches to five concrete bridges. Crews removed deteriorating asphalt and installed 10 new concrete slabs to smooth the transition from the asphalt roadway to the concrete bridges.

“Before we began our work, drivers experienced a bump as they drove onto and off of each overpass,” said Barker. “We’ve already heard from drivers who tell us they appreciate the smoother ride.”

Crews also ground down the freeway, repaired damaged areas, and laid fresh asphalt between I-405 in Bellevue and West Lake Sammamish Parkway in Redmond. The new asphalt and bridge slabs will help extend the lifespan of this critical Eastside route.

Drivers should expect additional nighttime closures through September as crews finish installing new signs along the highway.