Project Facts
- One new northbound lane from 112th Ave SE to SE 8th St, including reconfiguring the northbound freeway ramps from I-90
- One new southbound lane from SE 8th St to I-90
- Widens the existing northbound structure over Coal Creek Parkway
Overview
The I-405, South Bellevue Widening Project, also known as the 112th Avenue SE to SE 8th Street Project, helps relieve congestion at one of the worst I-405 bottlenecks--the drive in and out of Bellevue.
In July 2007, Atkinson Construction, LLC, began widening I-405 within the city of Bellevue between 112th Avenue SE and SE 8th Street. A summary of planned improvements, scheduled for completion by late 2009:
Between 112th Ave SE and I-90
- Add a new northbound lane from 112th Ave SE to I-90
- Widen the existing northbound bridge over Coal Creek Parkway
Between I-90 and SE 8th
- Build one new lane in each direction from I-90 to SE 8th Street
- Remove the Wilburton Tunnel
- Build a new, three-lane, southbound bridge over I-90
- Convert the existing southbound bridge over I-90 to carry the northbound HOV lane
Why is WSDOT
Improving I-405 in Bellevue?
WSDOT is constructing the South Bellevue Widening project to improve one of the worst congestion chokepoints along the I-405 corridor.
WSDOT plans to:
- Reduce congestion and increase travel speeds into and out of Bellevue by adding lanes
- Improve merging conditions and safety near I-90 by:
- Reconfiguring the northbound on-ramps from I-90 so traffic will not have to merge together before merging onto I-405
- Extending the southbound HOV lane on the west side of I-405 to I-90 so drivers have more time to merge
- Enhance wetlands and wildlife habitat by creating a wetland at Bellevue's Kelsey Creek Park to offset wetlands impacted by the project
- Improve wetland and stream habitat
Improve water quality by treating highway stormwater runoff
- Reduce noise potential by testing new technologies, like a sound absorbent noise wall and quieter pavement
- Deliver improvements early by providing the following by the end of 2008:
- New northbound lane between 112th Ave SE and I-90
- Noise wall just north of I-90 on the east side of the freeway
- Kelsey Creek wetland improvements
The End Result
The South Bellevue Widening project will reduce congestion from Renton north into Bellevue and from Bellevue south to I-90.
Project Benefits
- Congestion relief. Increase general purpose capacity and improve traffic flow.
- Safety. Improve safety by improving traffic merge conditions and increasing freeway capacity.
- Environment. Protect the environment by providing noise mitigation, creating a new stream channel, enhancing wetlands and wildlife habitat, and improving water quality by treating highway stormwater runoff.
What is the project timeline?
Construction timeline
- Construction began in 2007 and will be complete by 2009.
- Construction began south of I-90 in summer 2007.
- Concrete pavement repair north of I-90 started in summer 2007.
- The south segment (112th Ave SE to I-90) will open to traffic by Fall 2008.
- Major construction will begin north of I-90 in early spring 2008.
- In fall 2009, the final project improvements will open to traffic.
Project history
- 5 percent footprint design began in July 2003
- Project design began in November 2004.
- Nickel Environmental Assessment began in January 2005.
- Environmental documentation and permitting competed in August 2006.
Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. In addition to working closely with community councils and other local groups, the project team offers opportunities for public information and discussion. Please send the team an e-mail if you would like to be added to the project mailing list. If you have comments or feedback please e-mail Steve Peer in the public information department for the I-405 Corridor Program at steve.peer@i405.wsdot.wa.gov.
Environmental Protection
WSDOT's I-405 Corridor Program team has completed the Environmental Assessment (EA) for this project which identifies the effects and mitigation of the project. The I-405 projects have benefits that improve the environment for people, wildlife, and habitat such as improved water quality, restored and enhanced stream and wetland habitat, and retrofitting of culverts to allow for fish passage.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Widening I-405 between 112th Ave SE and SE 8th St will reduce congestion and congestion-related accidents. The new northbound lane between 112th Ave SE and I-90 as well as the ramp meter at the northbound 112th Avenue SE on-ramp to I-405 will help reduce traffic congestion and improve safety. Congestion-related accidents – rear-end and side-swipe crashes – make up the largest percentage of accidents on I-405.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the Tribes by using the process outlined in the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Washington Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan and Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA).
For more information, visit our WSDOT Tribal Liaison Web page.
Financial Information
- Transportation 2003 Account (Nickel funding) - $180 million
- 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $20 million
In 2005, the Washington State Legislature provided $20 million towards this project by passing the Transportation Partnership Funding package.
- Other Agency Funds - $2.3 million These funds are provided by the City of Bellevue and Federal sources.
- Total Funding Available From All Sources - $202.3 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
back to top