Drivers relying on northbound Interstate 405 and State Route 522 near Kirkland and Bothell should plan for major delays and alternate routes the weekend of Aug. 28 – 31.
Crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will funnel northbound I-405 down to one lane and close several area ramps for 55 hours beginning at 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, in order to open new braided ramps.
The new braided ramps represent another milestone toward completing the I-405 express toll lanes system between Bellevue and Lynnwood, set to open starting Sunday, Sept. 27.
“About 60,000 drivers use this interchange every weekend, we need most of them to take alternate routes when traveling this weekend,” Lisa Hodgson, WSDOT project engineer, said in a press release. “Drivers should plan ahead and use alternate routes. Families traveling to the Evergreen State Fair should leave early for the rides and stay late for the funnel cake to avoid peak delays.”
New Ramps to SR 522 and I-405
The closure is necessary to open new braided ramps originating from Northeast 160th Street in Bothell. The new ramps are designed to improve traffic flow by separating vehicles traveling onto SR 522 from I-405 and those traveling to northbound I-405 from Northeast 160th Street.
The new configuration will eliminate weaving and provide more efficient access to and from I-405 to SR 522.
Closure information
To open the new northbound I-405 braided ramps, crews will close the following lanes and ramps from 11 p.m. Aug. 28 to 5 a.m. Aug. 31.
• Northbound I-405 between Northeast 124th Street and SR 522 will be reduced to one lane.
• The northbound I-405 off-ramp to Northeast 160th Street.
• The Northeast 160th Street on-ramp to northbound I-405.
• The northbound I-405 ramps to eastbound and westbound SR 522.
Signed detour routes will be displayed for all ramp closures. For the most up-to-date details and a full listing of closures for this project, please visit the I-405 Construction Update page.
How to prepare for the closures
• Avoid closures by taking suggested alternate routes.
• Allow extra time for travel.
• Travel before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m. when traffic volumes are lighter.
• Plan ahead and use real-time traffic tools.
• Reschedule or delay flexible trips.
• Follow the signed detour routes.
Project and construction details
The new ramps to SR 522 and I-405 are key elements of the I-405 – NE 6th to I-5 Widening and Express Toll Lanes project. As a part of the project, WSDOT is building a new lane adjacent to the carpool lane between Northeast Sixth Street in Bellevue and SR 522 in Bothell to create a dual, express-toll-lane system. The existing carpool lane between Bothell and Lynnwood will operate as a single express toll lane.
When the project opens to traffic Sunday, Sept. 27, drivers will have the option to pay a toll to travel at 45 mph or faster in the new 17-mile system.
Tolls rates, set by the Washington State Transportation Commission, will adjust based on traffic congestion and can be paid with any existing Good To Go! pass or Pay By Mail at a higher rate. Qualifying carpools must have a Good To Go! Flex pass to travel ride free in the express toll lanes. The regular lanes on I-405 will remain free.
To learn more about I-405 Express Toll Lanes visit www.GoodtoGo405.org.
