This project received $30 million in stimulus funding from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The funding advanced delivery to the public by approximately one year.
Overview
We will build new multi-level "braided" ramps to separate vehicles entering and exiting northbound I-405 between NE 8th Street and SR 520 in Bellevue. This project will add a bypass lane for I-405 traffic headed eastbound to SR 520. A new ramp from the NE 10th Street overpass will give drivers direct access to SR 520 from downtown Bellevue.
As part of our corridor Master Plan, our different projects fit together like puzzle pieces. The NE 10th Street bridge will eventually act as an anchor for ramps connecting downtown Bellevue directly to SR 520 as part of the Bellevue Braids project. Some of the bridge railings on the new bridge will be removed when the ramp is connected to the bridge and then reused on other projects or used as replacement parts if the railings become damaged.
Why is WSDOT
building this project?
This area experiences up to eight hours of traffic congestion a day. The new improvements will reduce congestion on I-405 caused by northbound traffic exiting to SR 520 and entering from NE Eighth Street. The project also eliminates weave congestion on SR 520 between traffic entering from I-405 and exiting to 124th Avenue NE.
The End Result
The completion of this project improves safety by eliminating traffic weaves for motorists on northbound I-405 and eastbound SR 520 between NE Eighth Street and 124th Avenue NE.
Project Benefits
- Safety: Reduces congestion-related collisions. In addition, this project will enhance local pedestrian and bicycle access with a longer, wider NE 12th Street bridge.
- Congestion relief:
- Improves traffic flow by addressing back-ups on the highest volume ramp on the I-405 corridor: northbound I-405 to eastbound SR 520.
- Improves congestion on eastbound SR 520 in the vicinity of the 124th Avenue NE off-ramp, leading into the busy Northup business district in Bellevue.
- Reduces congestion on NE 8th Street, improving local access, circulation and operations in downtown Bellevue.
- Environment: WSDOT's I-405 Corridor Program team is designing the northbound NE 8th Street to SR 520 Improvement Project to avoid and minimize impacts to the environment.
What is the project timeline?
- Sept. 20, 2006: Held a public scoping meeting.
- May 7, 2008: Published the Environmental Assessment.
- May 22, 2008: Held the Environmental Assessment hearing.
- Sept. 17, 2008: Published The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
- March 2, 2009: Request for Qualifications (RFQ) are due from design-build teams.
- March 27, 2009: Notify the short-listed design-build teams.
- March 30, 2009: Publish the Request for Proposal (RFP).
- Nov. 4, 2009: Announce the Apparent Best Value.
- Winter 2009: Begin construction.
- Winter 2012: Open to traffic.
Financial Information
The information shown below reflects the current approved budget and schedule.
- 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $247.4 million.
In 2005, the Washington State Legislature provided funding towards this project.
- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - $30 million.
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $278.6 million.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Steve Peer
I-405 Corridor Program
600 - 108th Avenue NE
Suite 405
Bellevue, WA 98004
425-456-8624
steve.peer@i405.wsdot.wa.gov
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