Date:
Friday, May 12, 2006
Contact:
Laura Johnson, WSDOT Communications, (206) 254-7625 (Seattle)
Doug Haight, Project Engineer, (425) 649-4429 (Bellevue)
KIRKLAND – Beginning Wednesday, May 10, crews will periodically close the I-405 HOV lanes near NE 124th Street in Kirkland to allow construction vehicles to enter and exit the median work zone.
The northbound I-405 HOV lane closures will run from NE 124th Street to just north of NE 132nd Street. Drivers should expect periodic closures anytime EXCEPT during the evening commute (2 p.m. to 9 p.m.) We will also keep the lane open from noon Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday.
The southbound I-405 HOV lane closures will run from NE 124th Street to just south of the westbound NE 124th Street on-ramp. Drivers should expect periodic closures anytime EXCEPT during the morning commute (5 a.m. to noon). We will also keep the lane open from 5 a.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday.
The northbound and southbound HOV lanes will not be closed at the same time.
WSDOT is allowing the contractor to take these closures on a trial basis until Friday, May 19. Engineers will monitor traffic conditions during this trial period. Depending on the traffic effects, these closures may continue until the new median HOV ramps are completed and open to traffic later this year.
All of this work is associated with Sound Transit’s Totem Lake Freeway Station Project, designed and built by WSDOT. New HOV ramps in the I-405 median will allow carpools, vanpools and buses to enter and exit the freeway without merging through three lanes of traffic, easing congestion and enhancing safety for all drivers. A new bridge over I-405 at NE 128th Street will provide a new east-west route across I-405 for all drivers. This project will also complement WSDOT’s larger plan for congestion improvements along the I-405 corridor.
For more information, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I405/TotemLake.
###
Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
< Back to News Home