If you frequently drive through Bothell, prepare for another significant traffic disruption this coming weekend. As part of a major highway expansion project, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is planning to shut down I-405 for a second consecutive weekend to continue demolition work.
The closures are necessary to remove remaining sections of the old northbound I-405 to State Route 522 ramp. By taking down these structures, crews are clearing the space required to widen the freeway, add new express toll lanes, and support the future Stride Bus Rapid Transit service.
What to expect for the weekend of March 13–16:
- Full Closures: Starting at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, all lanes of northbound I-405 will close at the SR 522 interchange. Similarly, all lanes of southbound I-405 will be shut down between SR 527 and SR 522.
- Reopening: While crews hope to reopen southbound lanes as early as 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 15—depending on how quickly they finish the ramp removal—the full freeway could remain closed until 4:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16.
- Ramp Impacts: Expect several ramp closures, including the SR 527 on-ramps to southbound I-405, as well as the Northeast 195th Street on- and off-ramps (Exit 24).
Transportation officials are warning drivers that while detours will be clearly marked, alternate routes are not designed to handle the high volume of traffic typically seen on the freeway. Travelers are strongly encouraged to plan their trips in advance, expect heavy backups, and consider delaying non-essential travel through the area during the construction window.
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