Summer 2008 will bring outdoor events, dining and shopping attractions to Downtown Bellevue. This year will also mean important progress on a handful of I-405 road construction projects. If you use I-405 to reach your downtown destinations, take note of the closure information below and allow for extra time for your trip, especially during three weekends in August.

The biggest traffic impact for I-405 travelers this summer will be the removal of the Wilburton Tunnel. The project will require the closure of southbound I-405 for three consecutive weekends (August 8-10, 15-18 and 22-25) in order to minimize the impact on weekday commuters. The removal is part of the larger South Bellevue widening project designed to enhance safety, improve traffic flow and increase freeway capacity. When complete, I-405 will have one new lane in each direction from I-90 to SE 8th Street and a new northbound lane from 112th Avenue SE to I-90.

Also, a new bridge will soon cross I-405 at NE 10th Street. The WSDOT construction schedule calls for several late-night, early-morning shifts of I-405 traffic to the outside of the roadway.

Please watch for updates and consider these resources:

Check out www.chooseyourwaybellevue.org for tips on how to keep moving during construction and alternatives to driving alone

• Sign up for I-405 email updates by emailing subscribe-I-405@lists.wsdot.wa.gov
• Check the flow map before you select your route to travel: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle
• Visit the project websites for scheduled lane closure information and suggested route changes: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/i405
• Plan your bus ride with Metro: www.tripplanner.metrokc.gov
• Find a rideshare partner: www.rideshareonline.com