The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Sound Transit recently awarded a design-build contract to Skanska to enhance and expand 4.5 miles of Interstate 405 for a dual express toll lane (ETL) system and to improve traffic flow.
Skanska bid $834 million. It will build an ETL in each direction just south of SR 522 to SR 527, build a partial direct access interchange at SR 527 connecting to the Canyon Park Park-and-Ride, and create direct access ramps to the ETLs at SR 522.
Other work will include noise walls, new stormwater facilities, local roadway improvements, fish barrier corrections, and additional connections to regional transit service at the Canyon Park Park-and-Ride and the future UW Bothell Station.
Wok is expected to begin by the end of the year with the system opening to traffic in 2028.
“By creating more connections to regional transit service and aligning with Sound Transit’s plans for bus rapid transit, we’re enhancing convenience and accessibility,” Lisa Hodgson, WSDOT I-405/SR 167 program administrator, said.
Sound Transit’s Stride bus rapid transit service, connecting Bothell, Kirkland and surrounding communities, will use the ETLs and center freeway stations. This will eliminate the need for buses to use the general-purpose traffic lanes.