The City of Kenmore has announced the beginning of the West-A improvements along 522 between 65th Avenue NE and the east-end city limits.

The construction, lasting from April until late summer or early fall of 2015, is expected to improve pedestrian, bicyclist and driver safety, transit reliability, storm water management, lighting, aesthetics, and more.

To achieve this, the lanes will be widened and more turning lanes will be added south of 61st Avenue NE, new sidewalks will be created on both sides of 522 along with medians and traffic signal upgrades. There will be improvements to the 522 corridor’s appearance with new landscaping and street lighting, while underground utility lines will be installed and storm water management lines will be improved.

The overall goal is to make Kenmore a more walkable and safe area for everyone.

Construction is currently in Phase 1 of construction. During Phase 1, crews will be working on the north side of 522 between 61st Avenue NE and 65th Avenue NE.

Citizens can expect work along Bothell Way (522) Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and night work will occur. Concrete barriers will separate the work zones from the rest of the lanes on 522 for safety.

While the construction will be near many businesses along 522, there will be gaps to maintain access to business driveways.

The West A project will cost approximately $15.1 million and the city received funding from a variety of sources, including the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board, Washington State Department of Ecology and more.

For more information, please visit www.sr522kenmore.com.