Wilburton Removal Complete
Crews used a wrecking ball, mining trucks, along with six hydraulic excavators with specialty attachments such as breakers and crunchers to complete the demolition of the once 360 foot-long Wilburton Tunnel one week early. The third scheduled weekend total closure of southbound I-405 is no longer needed.
Pictures and video of the tunnel demolition work are available on the Web through our Flickr and YouTube accounts.
WSDOT crews in Bellevue would like to thank drivers who helped alleviate backups during the tunnel removal. Because drivers did an excellent job to remember to "Know Before You Go": utilizing travel tools, taking detours, carpooling, choosing alternate routes and/or taking the bus, backups were less than expected on I-405.
Additional work...
In addition to the tunnel demolition work, crews used the total closure of southbound lanes to repair several sections of I-405 and complete preparation work to connect a new I-405 southbound bridge over I-90. This weekend’s work was part of the I-405 South Bellevue Widening Project, funded by the 2003 and 2005 transportation revenue increases.
For project information on the I-405 South Bellevue Widening Project please visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/i405/112thAvetoSE8th.
Give ‘em a brake
Drivers should continue slow down, use caution and pay close attention to signage while familiarizing themselves with the new changes on southbound I-405 in Bellevue. We are asking drivers to “Give ‘em a Brake” in active work zones or when they see maintenance workers. To read more facts and tips on driving through work zones, please visit WSDOT's "Give 'Em A Brake" Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Safety/Brake.
For more information:
Steve Peer
I-405 Corridor Program Construction Communications
steve.peer@i405.wsdot.wa.gov
425-456-8624
I-405 Construction Hotline
425-456-8585
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