Join the project team for a quarterly update webinar from 12-1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 4. Register via Zoom.
Project overview
WSDOT, Sound Transit, and design-build contractor Graham Contracting, Ltd. are working to reconstruct and improve the I-405/Northeast 85th Street interchange. This project design supports Sound Transit's Stride Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), improves transit connections on Northeast 85th Street, and provides direct access to the I-405 Express Toll Lanes (ETLs).
With the City of Kirkland’s support, WSDOT and Sound Transit chose Northeast 85th Street for this project because it is a main connection between Downtown Kirkland, Redmond, and I-405. Working together, WSDOT, the City of Kirkland, and Sound Transit developed this project to improve accessibility for transit riders along the I-405 corridor and throughout the region and improve mobility and people who walk, bike, or roll.
The current interchange has two levels: the bottom level for local traffic on Northeast 85th Street and the top level for freeway traffic on I-405.
Project improvements along the lower level include local road improvements along Northeast 85th Street and its intersection with 114th Avenue Northeast/Kirkland Way.
The newly constructed middle level of the interchange is a multimodal hub. The hub will improve access and save time for transit riders, carpoolers, ETL users, and people who walk, bike, or roll. Transit riders will benefit from a new BRT station in the median of the northbound and southbound lanes, with connections to local bus stops. Pedestrians and cyclists will have wider sidewalks and better connections to BRT and the regional transit network. Carpoolers and ETL users will have direct-access ramps to the ETL system on I-405.
The project will also include fish barrier corrections, noise walls, and new stormwater facilities.
Once finished, this project will offer safer, more reliable transportation options for Kirkland residents, neighbors, and commuters – no matter how they get around.
What to expect
For the most up-to-date information about travel impacts, check out our real-time travel map. We also encourage people to stay informed by subscribing to our email updates or calling our construction hotline with questions, concerns or for more information at 425-224-2423.
Join the project team at the next quarterly project update webinar
At the meeting, there will be an opportunity to learn more about the upcoming construction work, ask questions, and find out how to stay informed. The project team will hold this meeting via Zoom from 12-1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Not able to make it? A recording will be uploaded to the project webpage under "Related links" within one week after the meeting. The recording will also be emailed to everyone who registered. WSDOT strives to host inclusive, accessible meetings that enable all people to engage and participate fully. To request meeting accommodations, or for questions about accessibility, please call (425) 224-2423 or email I405SR167Program@wsdot.wa.gov by Monday, Jan 27.
Additional upcoming I-405 ramp and lane closures
Highway lane closures:
None planned.
Highway ramp closures:
Tuesday, Jan. 21 to the morning of Saturday, Jan. 25: The southbound I-405 offramp to Northeast 85th Street will be closed nightly, from 10:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 24 to the morning of Saturday, Jan. 25: The northbound I-405 on-ramp from Northeast 85th Street will be closed from 11:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Local street closures:
Tuesday, Jan. 21 to the morning of Saturday, Jan. 25: The eastbound lanes of Northeast 85th Street from the southbound on-ramp to the northbound off-ramp will be closed nightly, from 9:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21 to the morning of Saturday, Jan. 25: The westbound lanes of Northeast 85th Street from the northbound on-ramp to the southbound off-ramp will be closed nightly, from 9:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
Upcoming nightwork
Week of Jan. 19 – Jan. 25
Tuesday, Jan. 21 to the morning of Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.: Crews will complete drainage installation near southbound I-405 off-ramp to Northeast 85th Street nightly.
Tuesday, Jan. 21 to the morning of Saturday, Jan. 25 from 9:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.: Crews will complete bridge work on Northeast 85th Street nightly.
Friday, Jan. 24 to the morning of Saturday, Jan. 25 from 11:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.: Crews will complete ramp meter installation work near the northbound I-405 on-ramp from Northeast 85th Street.
The project will replace the existing two-level interchange at Northeast 85th Street with a three-level interchange and construct local improvements along Northeast 85th Street and its intersection with 114th Avenue Northeast/Kirkland Way.
