Date:  Monday, August 18, 2008

Contact: Colleen Gants, WSDOT Communications, (206) 465-2311 (Bellevue)
Stacy Trussler, I-405 Deputy Project Director, (206) 437-4870 (Bellevue)

BELLEVUE – Southbound I-405 between SE 8th Street and the I-405/I-90 interchange opened to traffic at 3:20 a.m. this morning after highway crews worked around the clock over the weekend to finish demolishing the Wilburton Tunnel.

Crews closed southbound I-405 between SE 8th Street and the I-405/I-90 interchange at 11 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15 for the second time in as many weeks. Crews used a wrecking ball, mining trucks, along with six hydraulic excavators with specialty attachments such as breakers and crunchers to complete the demolition of the once 360 foot-long Wilburton Tunnel one week early. The third scheduled weekend total closure of southbound I-405 is no longer needed.

In addition to the tunnel demolition work, crews used the total closure of southbound lanes to repair several sections of I-405 and complete preparation work to connect a new I-405 southbound bridge over I-90. This weekend’s work was part of the I-405 South Bellevue Widening Project, funded by the 2003 and 2005 transportation revenue increases.

Give ‘em a brake

Drivers should slow down, use caution and pay close attention to signage while familiarizing themselves with the new changes on southbound I-405 in Bellevue. We are asking drivers to “Give ‘em a Brake” in active work zones or when they see maintenance workers. To read more facts and tips on driving through work zones, please visit WSDOT's "Give 'Em A Brake" Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Safety/Brake.

For project information on the I-405 South Bellevue Widening Project please visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/i405/112thAvetoSE8th.

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