WSDOT opens braided ramps on northbound I-405 just north of Kirkland

Crews re-opened northbound Interstate 405 lanes and several ramps this morning after completing the final work on the new braided ramp system between Northeast 160th Street and State Route 522. This is a major milestone as crews near completion of the I-405 – NE 6th to I-5 Widening and Express Toll Lanes project.

August 31, 2015 4:11 pm
Road crews put the finishing touched on the new ramps for the SR 522 and I-405 inter change last week.
Road crews put the finishing touched on the new ramps for the SR 522 and I-405 inter change last week.

Crews re-opened northbound Interstate 405 lanes and several ramps this morning after completing the final work on the new braided ramp system between Northeast 160th Street and State Route 522. This is a major milestone as crews near completion of the I-405 – NE 6th to I-5 Widening and Express Toll Lanes project.

“We thank drivers for their patience this past weekend,” said Lisa Hodgson, WSDOT project engineer. “We know it’s not ideal to take a detour or alter travel plans, but the new ramps we opened over the weekend will reduce congestion in the long run,” Hodgson said.

The closure was necessary to open new braided ramps originating from Northeast 160th Street in Bothell. The new ramps are designed to improve traffic flow by separating vehicles traveling onto SR 522 from I-405 and those traveling to northbound I-405 from Northeast 160th Street. The new configuration will reduce weaving and provide more efficient access to and from I-405 to SR 522.

Drivers who use the new northbound on ramp from Northeast 160th Street will experience a noticeable difference. They will now get into a designated lane that will take them to I-405 or SR 522. Once drivers get into the correct lane, they are expected to notice a smoother transition to their destination.