Moscoso secures funding for Bothell Crossroads project

On the last day of the special session, the House of Representatives passed HB 1497, the 2011-13 capital budget, which provides funding for infrastructure projects such as parks, wastewater treatment plants, community centers and school construction.

The capital budget, which passed the House on a unanimous vote, restores $8 million for the low-interest Public Assistance Loan needed for the Bothell SR-522 Crossroads Project.

“It took a while, but I’m very glad we managed to get that project back in the budget,” said state Rep. Luis Moscoso (D-Mountlake Terrace), who was instrumental in securing those funds. “The Crossroads Project is necessary because it will certainly address traffic congestion since we’re looking at a seven percent increase on 522 from the tolling on 520; but it’s also necessary because it will create desperately needed jobs in my district.”

Upon receiving the news, Robert Stowe, City Manager and Steve Anderson, Deputy City Manager for the City of Bothell, sent the lawmaker this message: “Please convey our sincere appreciation for his hard work to Representative Moscoso in seeing this matter through on our behalf. We look forward to seeing him soon and expressing our gratitude in person.”

The following description of the project is taken from the City of Bothell website:

The Bothell Crossroads project realigns State Route 522 to the south between Hall Rd and 102nd Ave NE. The highway will consist of two travel lanes in each direction, left turn lanes, and sidewalks separated from traffic by tree-lined medians. Connecting streets (NE 180th St, 98th Ave NE, and SR 527) will be extended to reach the new alignment and provide pedestrians additional opportunities to move between downtown and the Park at Bothell Landing.

The existing intersection of SR 522 and SR 527 performs poorly and is expected to degrade further without action. Today, over 44,000 vehicles pass though this intersection daily. This project will improve traffic congestion and increase safety on this critical commute and freight corridor both now and into the future.

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