I-405 - South Bellevue Widening

Overview
WSDOT will add one north and southbound lane from SE 8th Street to I-90 and replace the existing Wilburton Tunnel with a new structure with capacity for seven lanes. 

Why is WSDOT improving I-405 in Bellevue?
The Bellevue Nickel Project limits extend from SE 8th Street to I-90. We will add one northbound lane between I-90 and SE 8th Street, one southbound lane between Main Street and I-90 and includes the reconstruction of the Wilburton Tunnel, taking the tunnel to its ultimate configuration for the I-405 Master Plan. The northbound bridge over the BNSF railroad and the southbound bridge over SE 8th Street will also be widened.

The End Result
The Bellevue Nickel Project is designed to improve safety, improve several of the worst congestion chokepoints along the I-405 corridor, increase travel speeds during peak commuter hours, facilitate freight movement throughout the corridor and implement meaningful environmental improvements.

Project Benefits

• Safety. Reduce congestion-related accidents by providing increased capacity through south Bellevue
• Congestion relief.  Increase travel speeds during peak commuter hours
• Environment.  WSDOT's I-405 Corridor Program team is designing the project to avoid and minimize affects to the environment. 

What is the project timeline?

• 5 percent Footprint design began in July 2003
• Project Design began in November 2004
• Nickel Environmental Assessment began in January 2005
• 5 percent Footprint completed in Summer 2005
• Construction expected for 2007-2009

Financial Information
Transportation 2003 Account (Nickel funding) - $189 million as part of the $211 million for the 112th Ave SE to SE 8th Street Widening Project.

How can I get more information?
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