The following is a press release from WSDOT.

Community members affected by the next phase of Interstate 405 improvements in the Tukwila to Bellevue vicinity are invited to learn more about the environmental review of the proposed project and provide comments.

On Monday, July 9, the Washington State Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration, plans to open a formal 30-day public comment period for the I-405, Tukwila to I-90 Vicinity Express Toll Lanes Project Environmental Assessment. Both agencies signed off on the document Tuesday, July 3.

On July 5, WSDOT posted the environmental assessment and associated discipline reports online for initial public viewing. On Monday, July 9, the agency will provide the public with more information about methods for commenting and viewing the documents in print. The comment period will be open until Aug. 9.

This environmental assessment is the second of two documents covering the larger I-405 Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes construction contract, which extends north to downtown Bellevue.

That contract generally builds one new lane in each direction from downtown Bellevue to SR 167, which will be combined with the existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane to create a dual express toll lane system. Construction is currently scheduled to start in 2019 and complete in 2024.

Public comment opportunities

In addition to the 30-day comment period, WSDOT invites community members to attend a public hearing to learn more about the project and the EA findings. A court reporter will be available during the hearing to accept verbal comments.

Public hearing details

When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 17

Where: Renton High School Cafeteria, 400 South Second Street.