Another I-405 closure to complicate weekend traffic

Five miles of northbound I-405 will close this weekend from Renton to Bellevue, as contractors resume work on a freeway widening project.

The shutdown will aggravate regional traffic that's already crimped by the long-term repave of two I-5 lanes in Seattle, across the northbound Ship Canal Bridge.

I-405 will be closed from Sunset Boulevard Northeast (Exit 5) to Coal Creek Parkway Southeast (Exit 10), from 11:30 p.m. Friday, April 17, until 4 a.m. Monday, April 20.

The signed detour will lead drivers to exit at Sunset, then continue through Newcastle via Coal Creek Parkway Southeast.

Contractors will excavate drainage areas, replace pavement and change the traffic lane layouts.

Project spokesperson Craig Smiley said Thursday the weather forecast was cooperating, so he didn't anticipate a delay.

The $705 million project, to be finished by 2027, will result in two free I-405 lanes and two toll lanes each way between Renton and Bellevue, connected to existing toll lanes that reach Auburn on Highway 167, and to Lynnwood on I-405.

The Washington State Department of Transportation warns that congestion could appear miles away from the construction area, in any highway direction, as drivers look for alternate routes. Motorists are encouraged to check the WSDOT Travel Center Map, download the state travel app or subscribe to email updates.

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