New lane coming for I-405 north

Published 10:34 pm Saturday, August 21, 2010

BOTHELL — State and federal money could pave the way for smoother afternoon commutes on I-405.

Construction crews were expected to start building an extra northbound lane on the freeway this fall, the Washington state Department of Transportation announced Friday. The work would widen the freeway between NE 195th Street and Highway 527. It is expected to be done by next summer.

“This was one that was a no-brainer because it’s an important corridor and it was ready to go,” said Rep. Marko Liias, D-Mukilteo, who helped select the project as vice chairman of the House Transportation Committee. “I-405 has become a critical freight corridor. A lot of folks from Snohomish county work on the Eastside.”

The state Department of Transportation awarded a $19 million design and construction bid to Kiewit Pacific Co. of Renton, according to a press release. The money came from the 2005 state gas-tax package and from federal stimulus funds.

The federal money should push the timetable for the project ahead by three years, state officials said. The new lane is expected to improve travel speeds by 25 mph to 30 mph during peak hours.

“That was a particular section where it backed up every afternoon,” said Snohomish County Councilman Dave Gossett, whose district includes the area, but who was not directly involved in the funding. “Because it backed up when people were trying to get off of 405, it backed up all of 405.” Beyond easing slowdowns, the project should make it easier to reach the University of Washington’s Bothell campus and nearby business parks. Another potential benefit is safety.

Snohomish County Public Works Director Steve Thomsen hoped the new lane would keep more people on the freeway, instead of taking short cuts on side streets.

Kiewit’s winning bid came in 36 percent under the $30 million available for the project.

Because of the recession, many construction jobs have cost less than expected, freeing millions for other work. Earlier this year, the state reported that contracts awarded under the federal economic stimulus package were coming in an average of 16 percent below estimate. In Snohomish County, the Granite Falls bypass cost $13.8 million, not the $23 million officials originally expected to pay.

Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465 or nhaglund@heraldnet.com.