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.
New lane alignment on Northeast 85th Street starting this weekend until mid-2025; short-term overnight lane closures during lane as early as July 8
Starting as early as Monday, July 8, crews will work overnight to restripe the lanes on Northeast 85th Street into a new lane alignment.
Crews will relocate the eastbound traffic lanes on Northeast 85th Street further south, while the westbound traffic lanes will move further north. This adjustment will provide more space for crews to create a work zone and carry out column installation work in the middle of Northeast 85th Street. This realignment is expected to remain in place until early summer 2025. Pedestrian access along the north side of Northeast 85th Street will be maintained via a temporary walkway.
Important traffic changes to the I-405 and Northeast 85th Street interchange
During the weekend closure of Northeast 85th Street at the end of January, crews demolished two off-ramp bridges and installed new temporary signals to allow northbound drivers to go westbound and southbound drivers to go eastbound. All drivers entering and exiting I-405 now use the temporary signals instead of the loop ramps and ramp bridges.
The temporary signals help reduce weaving on Northeast 85th Street, making the area safer during construction. Using long-term temporary signals also gives crews enough space to complete construction activities safely. These will be in place until the new roundabouts are installed in 2026
Northeast 87th Street full closure for waterline installation
Starting as early as April 12, Northeast 87th Street will be fully closed to all through-traffic. A signed detour route is in place. Crews will begin the installation of the Northeast 87th Street water line, residential water services, and supporting structures.
The new waterline alignment is located near the center of Northeast 87th Street so crews must shut down the street for all through-traffic. During flagged closures, local traffic will still be allowed into the Northeast 87th Street work zone through flagged entrances at 114th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 88th Street.
Crews will maintain access to all homes on Northeast 87th Street during construction except when the waterline is being installed across each home’s driveway. During full closures, when there will be no driveway access, crews will notify the resident at least 48 hours ahead of time. Street parking will be provided in a safe location for all impacted residents. Sidewalks in front of each home will remain open throughout construction.
The waterline installation and associated closures are scheduled for approximately two months. The schedule is subject to change due to the nature of construction. Crews will do their best to minimize construction and noise impacts to the surrounding neighborhood.
Work phasing:
- Storm Line Installation – Flagged Closure (2 Weeks)
- Large Vault Installation – Flagged Closure (2 Weeks)
- Water Service Installation – Full Closure (2 Weeks)
- Waterline Installation – Full Closure (5 Weeks)
- Roadway Restoration – Full Closure (2 Days)
Weekends: Roadway reopened when possible
Nights: Roadway reopened when possible
Work hours: Daytime work hours for this work are typically between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Night work: Work is currently only scheduled for days
- Notice will be provided to local residents if work will be performed at night
Home access: Flaggers at each end of the closure limits will direct you to your home
Leaving your home: Spotters and crew members will assist you to the closure exits at 114th Avenue Northeast or Northeast 88th Street
Driveway impact notice:
- Crews will notify residents at least two hours before the work begins for partial or short-term driveway impacts
- Residents may experience five-to-ten-minute delays as workers clear vehicles or equipment from the driveway entrance
Driveway closure notice:
- Crews will notify residents 48 hours before any full closure of a driveway
- Driveways may be closed overnight as pipe installation progresses past the home
Garbage and mail service: Crews will ensure access to both mail and garbage services
Additional upcoming I-405 ramp and lane closures
Highway lane closures:
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None planned.
Highway ramp closures:
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Monday, July 15 to the morning of Saturday, July 20: The Northeast 85th Street to northbound I-405 on-ramp will be closed nightly, from 11:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
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Monday, July 15 to the morning of Saturday, July 20: The Northeast 85th Street to northbound I-405 on-ramp right shoulder will be closed.
Local street closures:
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Sunday, July 14 through Saturday, July 20: Northeast 87th Street will be closed from 114th Avenue Northeast to 116th Avenue Northeast.
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Sunday, July 14 to the morning of Friday, July 19: The inside lanes of westbound and eastbound between Northeast 85th Street from Northeast 120th Street to Northeast 114th Street closed from 9:30 p.m. – 4:30 a.m.
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Monday, July 15 to the morning of Wednesday, July 17: The westbound right lane of Northeast 85th Street from Northeast 114th Street will be closed from 9:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
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Monday, July 15 to the morning of Saturday, July 20: The westbound lanes of Northeast 85th Street between the Northeast 85th Street to southbound I-405 on-ramp and northbound I-405 on Northeast 85th Street off-ramp will be closed from 10:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
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Monday, July 15 to the morning of Saturday, July 20: The eastbound lanes of Northeast 85th Street between the Northeast 85th Street to northbound I-405 on-ramp and southbound I-405 on Northeast 85th Street off-ramp will be closed from 10:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
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Friday, July 19 to the morning of Monday, July 22: The eastbound lanes of Northeast 85th Street between the Northeast 85th Street to northbound I-405 on-ramp and southbound I-405 on Northeast 85th Street off-ramp will be closed from 9:30 p.m. – 4:30 a.m.
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Friday, July 19 to the morning of Monday, July 22: The eastbound and westbound lanes of Northeast 85th Street from 114th Avenue Northeast to 116th Avenue will be closed from 11:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.
Upcoming nightwork
Week of July 14 – July 20
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July 15 to July 20 from 9:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.: Crews will complete waterline installation work between the northbound I-405 on-ramp and Northeast 85th Street. Noise from construction equipment and trucks may be audible.
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July 15 to July 20 from 9:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.: Crews will complete shoring removal between the southbound I-405 off-ramp and Northeast 87th Street. Noise from construction equipment and trucks may be audible.
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July 15 to July 20 from 10:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m.: Crews will install shafts along the center of Northeast 85th Street under I-405.
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.
