BELLEVUE, WA — The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announces the award of a design-build contract to start construction on the I-405, Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes project. The contractor Flatiron West, Inc.-The Lane Construction Corporation Joint Venture (Flatiron/Lane) submitted the apparent best value proposal of $704,975,000 to complete design and construction of the project.

When the project opens in 2024, it will add new capacity to create a dual express toll lane system between State Route 167 in Renton and Northeast Sixth Street in Bellevue, similar to the express toll lanes between Bellevue and Lynnwood. The project will also build two new southbound auxiliary lanes and rebuild several I-405 interchanges to accommodate the additional roadway.

“The first phase of the project, the I-405/SR 167 Interchange Direct Connector, opened to traffic in February ahead of schedule and under budget,” said Kim Henry, I-405/SR 167 Program Administrator. “This next phase will really be key to improving the challenges facing drivers south of I-90 and will help provide new options for commuters along the entire corridor.”

The project will also build portions of King County’s 42-mile Eastrail and new infrastructure to support Sound Transit’s I-405 Stride Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The I-405 project is designed to improve speeds and trip reliability for all travelers and support the new BRT line. Currently, travelers in this stretch of roadway experience one of the state’s worst commutes.

“Sound Transit has worked closely with WSDOT to implement the region’s long-standing vision for I-405,” said Bernard van de Kamp, Sound Transit’s East Corridor Development Director. “We have made a significant investment in this project to ensure fast, reliable trips for the thousands of people who will ride Sound Transit’s Stride bus rapid transit every day starting in 2024. With connections to light rail and local transit, Stride BRT will be an important component of the regional transit network.”

WSDOT expects to give Flatiron/Lane notice to proceed on the first phase of design and construction activities later this year. People who drive this corridor can expect the beginning of construction in early 2020.