Construction Impacts on 116th Avenue NE from I-405/132nd Project

Published on February 17, 2023

02162023 - Traffic Alert 116th Closure - WEBSITE.JPG

Media Contact: 
Sue Romero
Communications Program Coordinator
sromero@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 587-3017

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Beginning March 6, 2023, contractors working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will temporarily close a section of 116th Avenue NE north of NE 132nd Street for two months.

This will impact drivers who regularly use 116th Avenue NE, also known as the Kingsgate access road. Travelers should expect delays, left turn restrictions, and a detour around the road closure.

The City of Kirkland granted permission to Graham Contracting to close the section of 116th Avenue NE north of NE 132nd Street so contractors can build a new half-diamond interchange on I-405 at NE 132nd Street. The closure increases the efficiency of the project, including the ability to deliver the project on-time. The new I-405 on-ramp/off-ramps are expected to open by the end of 2023.

Additionally, the closure will provide:

  • Significantly improved safety for construction workers as they rebuild 116th Avenue NE to match alignment with the roundabout.
  • Increased protection for travelers because curbs will be removed, which can pose dangers for drivers particularly in inclement weather.
  • Reduced need for temporary materials required to maintain access to 116th Avenue NE.

On February 15, additional night work began on the sanitary sewer line on NE 132nd Street at I-405 between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. and may last until March 3. This part of the project will be done by Northshore Utility District and will replace a sanitary sewer line in NE 132nd Street. This work will be performed at night when sewer flows and traffic impacts are less.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times during construction. Signage and uniformed spotters will be used to guide pedestrians and transit riders through the construction site.

Residents directly affected by this project will receive mailings, door-to-door contact, and regular updates via the project email list. To be added to the project email list, please contact: I405SR167Program@wsdot.wa.gov.

For more information, contact the project hotline at (425) 224-2433 or visit the I-405/Northeast 132nd Street Interchange Project webpage.

To learn more about these traffic changes, upcoming work, and ask questions of the project team, you’re invited to join the Washington State Department of Transportation’s project update meeting on February 22. This meeting will be held online via Zoom.