Meet the Oblong Roundabout at the I-405 / NE 85th Street Interchange

Published on May 15, 2026

An aerial photo showing the I-405 / NE 85th Street interchange.

The new oblong roundabout at the I-405 / NE 85th Street interchange isn't as intimidating as you might think! Join us for a Roundabout Ride Along!

Thumbnail for Roundabout Ride Along: Safety Tips video

 

Watch our Roundabout Ride Along: Safety 101 video.

Here’s how to keep yourself, other drivers, bikers, and pedestrians safe while driving in multilane roundabouts:

  • Choose the appropriate lane based on the lane assignment signs. 
  • If there’s a crosswalk, be prepared to stop for pedestrians before entering the roundabout. 
  • Look to your left and yield to drivers already in the roundabout. You don’t have to stop if there’s a gap in traffic. 
  • Stay in your lane and let the pavement markings guide you. 
  • Be courteous and use your right turn signal to indicate your exit to the vehicles around you. 
  • If there is a crosswalk, be prepared to stop for pedestrians when exiting the roundabout. 

You can learn more about safely navigating roundabouts by watching this video: https://youtu.be/V2nQ__1YJps?si=vxebApYzC750-nXr  

Check out the WSDOT blog for more information on the new NE 85th Street configuration: https://wsdotblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/a-new-spin-in-kirkland-northeast-85th.html.