Overview
I-405 connects drivers across Lake Washington and throughout the Puget Sound region, providing access to major employers like Boeing, Microsoft, and PACCAR. However a daily 6-10 hours of traffic congestion chokes the full potential of this artery — and the economic potential of the Puget Sound region. I-405 congestion costs millions in lost time, wasted fuel and missed opportunities.
How will we address long-term solutions on I-405?
We worked with cities, counties, federal agencies, transit agencies and community groups to develop consensus for a long-term vision for the multi-modal redevelopment of I-405. This effort culminated in a three-year environmental impact statement (EIS) development process that outlines transit, roadway, and environmental investments including more than 300 improvements. The EIS received approval with the Record of Decision in October 2002 and now serves as a master plan for I-405 improvements WSDOT is currently working with local communities and transit agencies to improve I-405.
The End Result: Every Trip Faster and Safer
When fully implemented, the I-405 Master Plan will save over 13 million travel-time hours every year — a value of $569 million annually. Fewer traffic accidents will save an additional $42 million each year. The plan creates about 1,700 new vanpools, increases transit service by 50 percent, and builds 5,000 new park-and-ride spaces. A new bus rapid transit system with stations and stops will be part of this project, and storm water runoff and salmon habitat will be significantly improved. The result: Every trip on the I-405 corridor will be faster and safer.
Unfunded I-405 Projects are the Renton to Bellevue Project and the Tukwila to Renton Improvement Project (currently in the environmental process). These projects are part of the I-405 master plan and will be constructed as funding becomes available.
Voters in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties did not approve Proposition 1, which included funding for this project as part of the 2007 Regional Transportation Investment District Blueprint for Progress. Other sources of money for this project have not been identified.
Current funded I-405 improvement projects underway include: