Project news

Preliminary engineering for this project began in July 2017.
 

Overview
The Washington State Department of Transportation will construct a new on-ramp to northbound I-405 and a new off-ramp from southbound I-405 at Northeast 132nd Street in Kirkland. This type of interchange is known as a half-diamond.

Needs & benefits

Why is WSDOT constructing this new interchange?
Constructing the new interchange at Northeast 132nd Street:

• Improves access to the Totem Lake regional growth center and surrounding neighborhoods in Kirkland
• Provides a new option to access I-405, creating an alternative to using local streets
• Reduces pressure on heavily congested Northeast 124th Street and Northeast 160th Street interchanges
• Builds local street improvements, including roundabouts at two intersections
• Improves pedestrian and bicycle connections in the area
• Makes environmental enhancements, including fish passage and stormwater improvements

Why is WSDOT only building a southbound off-ramp and a northbound on-ramp instead of a full interchange?
The proximity of Northeast 124th Street and the direct access ramps at Northeast 128th Street prevent constructing ramps to and from the south at the future at Northeast 132nd Street interchange. The Totem Lake area has several interchanges to provide freeway access within a short distance. The nearby interchange at Northeast 124th Street provides access to both directions of I-405.

The End Result
After this project is complete, travelers will have the option to access I-405 at Northeast 132nd Street, rather than traveling to the heavily congested Northeast 124th Street or Northeast 160th Street interchanges. The designs include roundabouts at the intersections of the new ramps and Northeast 132nd Street to better manage traffic flow.

Timeline

• 2017-2020: Preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition and environmental review
• 2021: Construction start
• 2023: Expected project completion