February 2013
- The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Renton to Bellevue Project was published on Nov. 20, 2008.
- In 2007, voters rejected Prop. 1 - the Roads and Transit investment package, which would have provided the funds necessary for this project. Currently the project is still largely unfunded.
Why is WSDOT
Improving I-405 from Renton to Bellevue?
The stretch 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 I-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 of 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 Avenue 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 carpool bypass and ramp meter at 112th Avenue 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 lanes in each direction between SR 169 and I-90 to help address one of the most-congested sections of freeway in the state.
What is the project timeline?
- July 2003: Environmental documentation begins.
- July 2003: 5 percent footprint design begins.
- June 2005: Environmental scoping report is released.
- March 9, 2006: The Environmental Assessment is published.
- Construction is contingent on additional state and regional funding.
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
On Nov. 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:
Steve Peer
I-405 Project Team Office
600 108th Avenue NE
Suite 405
Bellevue, WA 98004
425-456-8624
mailto:steve.peer@i405.wsdot.wa.gov
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