Overview
The SR 520 to I-5 Widening Project will complement the Kirkland Nickel Stage 1 project by adding one continuous north and southbound lane between NE 70th Street in Kirkland and SR 522 in Bothell and build a bridge at NE 132nd Street. WSDOT will build a northbound lane between NE 195th Street and SR 527 as part of the NE 195th Street to SR 527 - Northbound Auxiliary Lane Project.
The overall widening project combines funding from both the 2003 Gas Tax and the 2005 Gas Tax, bundling two major project elements: Kirkland Nickel Stage 2 and the similarly titled SR 520 to I-5 Improvement Project which includes the NE 124th Street to SR 522 and northbound 195th Street to SR 527 elements and the NE 132nd Street Bridge improvements.
To move more people and increase transit reliability, WSDOT traffic engineers are investigating options to improve traffic flow and give commuters more choices. One option engineers are looking at is to maintain the current high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and build new general purpose lanes. WSDOT is completing an environmental assessment to analyze improvement options between SR 520 in Bellevue and I-5 in Lynnwood.
Why is WSDOT
building these new lanes?
Afternoon and morning congestion in this area is heavy due to commuters heading to and from Bellevue, as well as from commuters leaving and entering the University of Washington Bothell campus and business parks in Bothell and Kirkland.
The End Result
The completed project adds additional traffic capacity on north and southbound I-405 and reduces traffic weaves between NE 160th Street and SR 522. This comprehensive project compliments the Kirkland Nickel Stage 1 project in relieving congestion on I-405 in the north end of the corridor.
Project Benefits
- Congestion relief. The addition of the northbound and southbound lanes between SR 522 and NE 70th Street reduces congestion by increasing capacity by one-third.
- Safety. The additional capacity reduces sideswipe and congestion-related collisions.
- Environment. WSDOT's I-405 Corridor Program team is designing SR 520 to I-5 Widening Project to avoid and minimize impacts to the environment.
What is the project timeline?
- March 2005: The Kirkland Nickel Stage 2 improvements were cleared environmentally through the Kirkland Nickel Project EA .
- Sept. 14, 2006: The SR 520 to I-5 Improvement Project EA begins scoping activities.
- 2012: Construction expected to begin.
- 2015: Expected project completion.
Financial Information
The information shown below reflects the current proposed project budget and schedule. The 2009 Legislature may consider changes to the transportation budget that may include adjustments to some project budgets and schedules.
- Transportation 2003 Account (Nickel funding) - $103.9 million.
- 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $240.4 million.
In 2005, the Washington State Legislature provided funding towards this project by passing the Transportation Partnership Funding package.
- Federal Funds - $0.7 million.
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $345 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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