WSDOT Projects

Project Facts

• Adds two new lanes in each direction between SR 169 and I-90
• Reconfigures eight interchanges
• Additional regional funding required to complete construction

Why is WSDOT Improving I-405 from Renton to Bellevue?

The strech of freeway between SR 169 and I-90 on I-405 is the most congested in the state. The Renton-to-Bellevue Project extends approximately eight miles along Interstate 405 between the SR 169 (Maple Valley Highway) interchange in the south to the northern on- and off-ramps of the I-90 junction in the north. The project is part of a long-range mobility strategy called the I-405 Master Plan partnership between WSDOT, the cities and counties along the corridor, and regional and federal transportation agencies. The improvement program balances highway, transit and arterial projects, offering a range mobility options for travelers and freight movement on the I-405 corridor.

Funding for a number of projects along the I-405 corridor was approved by the 2003 and 2005 legislative sessions. This includes $150 million in state matching funds for design and construction of a portion of the Renton-to-Bellevue Project between NE 44th Street in Renton and 112th Avenue SE in Bellevue. Supplementary regional funding will be needed to complete the project.

In addition, $20 million in funding was provided to construct a northbound lane from 112th Ave SE to I-90; linking to the new lane added by the Bellevue Nickel Improvement Project. WSDOT combined these two projects into the South Bellevue Widening project. The project also adds an HOV bypass and ramp meter at 112th Ave SE.  Ramp meters relieve congestion by metering the "bunching" of cars trying to merge onto I-405.

The End Result
The Renton-to-Bellevue Project will reduce congestion and improve safety along one of the most congested sections of freeway in the state. It will complement nearly $1.5 billion in state investments (and additional investments provided through potential regional funding) along the 30-mile I-405 corridor.

Project Benefits
The Renton-to-Bellevue project, partially funded by the Legislature, will add two new general purpose lanes in each direction between SR 169 and Interstate 90 to help address one of the most-congested sections of freeway in the state.

What is the project timeline?

• Environmental documentation began in July 2003.
• 5 percent footprint design began in July 2003.
• Environmental scoping report released June 2005.
• The Environmental Assessment was published on March 9, 2006.
• Construction is contingent on additional state and regional funding.
  

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. You will be kept posted via e-mail on the project’s status and on further participation opportunities as the project progresses. Also, feel free to check this regularly updated web page for information. If you have comments or feedback please e-mail Colleen Gants in the public information department for the I-405 Corridor Program at colleen.gants@i405.wsdot.wa.gov.

Environmental Protection
With the passage of the nickel gas tax in 2003 and the 2005 Gas Tax, the I-405 Corridor Program is moving forward to review and implement nearly $1.5 billion in projects through 2017. Teams of environmental professionals are in the field to conduct site-specific environmental reviews consistent with the overall corridor Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) approved in 2002.
The Environmental Assessment for the SR 169 to I-90 section of I-405 was released in March 2006 .
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.

Increasing safety is one of our priorities
The addition of travel lanes and other improvements will increase safety by reducing congestion, improving sightlines and widening shoulders. Congestion-related accidents – rear-end and side-swipe crashes – make up the largest percentage of accidents on I-405. The addition of a ramp meter at 112th Avenue SE will help reduce congestion and improve safety at that location, particularly during the morning peak traffic period.

Will this project impact tribal resources?

I-405 projects between SR 169 and I-90 do not directly affect tribal reservation lands. However, the projects have the potential to affect archaeological sites, archaeological high-probability areas, and/or tribal traditional cultural properties. Every effort will be made to avoid impacts.

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).

The NHPA was enacted to address the publics concern that many of the nation's historic resources were being overlooked in the public works project process. NHPA Section 106 requires government agencies such as WSDOT to evaluate the impact of all government-funded construction projects. Under the act, agencies maintain their own preservation program, and are required to incorporate advice from historic preservation professionals.

For more information, visit our WSDOT Tribal Liaison Web page.

Financial Information
On November 6, 2007 voters rejected Proposition 1, the Roads and Transit investment package, which would have provided the funds necessary for this project. At this time the project is still largely unfunded.

How can I get more information?
Contact:

Colleen Gants
I-405 Project Team Office
600 108th Avenue NE
Suite 405
Bellevue, WA  98004

425-456-8500

colleen.gants@i405.wsdot.wa.gov

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