Residents of Bothell and commuters traveling north on I-405 need to plan for a complete closure of the highway’s northbound lanes from 11 p.m. on Friday, November 6, until 5 a.m. on Monday, November 9. The shutdown allows the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to finish removing a pedestrian bridge that spans the freeway at the Canyon Park and Ride facility.
What sections are affected
The closure covers the stretch between State Route 522 and State Route 527. All on‑ramps and off‑ramps in that segment will be inaccessible, including:
- Northeast 128th Street on‑ramp
- Northeast 132nd Street on‑ramp
- Northeast 160th Street on‑ramp
- SR‑522 on‑ramps
- Northeast 195th Street on‑ and off‑ramps (Exit 24)
- SR‑527 off‑ramp (Exit 26)
Drivers are urged to use alternate routes such as SR‑527 southbound, SR‑522 east‑west, or local streets like NE 120th and NE 140th to bypass the closed segment. WSDOT will post signage well before the closure begins and will monitor traffic flow throughout the weekend.
Why the bridge is being removed
The pedestrian bridge at the Canyon Park and Ride was installed years ago to provide safe crossing for commuters using the park‑and‑ride lot. However, the structure no longer meets current design standards and has become a bottleneck for ongoing roadway improvements. Its removal is a key component of the larger I‑405/Brickyard to SR‑527 Improvement Project, which aims to increase capacity, improve safety, and reduce congestion on one of the region’s busiest corridors.
Impact on commuters and local businesses
While the closure will cause temporary inconvenience, WSDOT expects the long‑term benefits to outweigh short‑term delays. The removal of the bridge will allow crews to widen lanes, add new shoulders, and install updated lighting and drainage systems. These upgrades are projected to improve travel times and enhance safety for both motorists and pedestrians once the project is complete.
Local businesses near the affected exits have been notified and are preparing for potential changes in customer traffic. Many have already posted alternative directions on their storefronts and social media pages to help patrons navigate the detours.
How to stay informed
WSDOT will provide real‑time updates on its website and social‑media channels. Drivers can also sign up for text alerts or check the Washington State traffic map for the latest conditions. The agency encourages anyone with questions to contact the WSDOT public information office at 1‑800‑555‑1234.
By completing the bridge removal this weekend, the department stays on schedule to finish the broader I‑405 corridor improvements before the end of the year, keeping Bothell’s transportation network moving forward for families and businesses alike.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
