In spring 2003, the Washington State Legislature approved a Nickel Funding Package providing more than $4 billion over 10 years for a variety of highway improvements projects throughout the state. Three of the "Nickel Projects," totaling $485 million, are on I-405. These three projects are the first step toward achieving the I-405 Master Plan as detailed in the 2002 environmental impact statement (EIS).
The Kirkland Nickel Project (SR 520 to SR 522): This project, totaling $164 million, will be built in two stages. Stage 1 adds one lane in both directions between NE 85th Street and NE 124th Street. Stage 2 adds one northbound lane from NE 70th Street to NE 85th Street and one southbound lane from SR 522 to NE 124th Street and from NE 85th Street to SR 520. This project reduces congestion in the "Kirkland Crawl," and complements Sound Transit's 128th Street Direct Access project. The Kirkland Nickel Project is scheduled to begin construction first, with Stage 1 construction starting in 2006 and finishing in 2008. Kirkland Stage 2 begins in 2009 and finishes in 2011.
The Bellevue Nickel Project (SE 8th to I-90): $186 million to add one northbound lane between I-90 and SE 8th Street and one southbound lane between NE 4th Street and I-90. Congestion is reduced into and out of Bellevue from the south. The project reconstructs the Wilburton Tunnel, improving the existing "Wilburton Weave," and taking the tunnel to its ultimate configuration as described in the I-405 Master Plan. These improvements complement the Bellevue Access project currently under construction. The Bellevue Nickel Project is scheduled to begin construction in 2007 and be open to traffic in 2011.
The Renton Nickel Project (West Valley Highway to Maple Valley Highway): $136 million to add one northbound lane between SR 181 (West Valley Highway) and SR 167 (Valley Freeway) and one southbound lane from SR 169 (Maple Valley Highway) to SR 167. The project also extends the SR 167 southbound HOV lane north to I-405. The Renton improvements reduce congestion approaching the SR 167 interchange, and complement the recently completed SR 167 flyover ramp. The Tukwila/South Renton Nickel Project is scheduled to begin construction in 2007 and be finished in 2010.