Skanska has been identified by the Washington State Department of Transportation as the company offering the best-value proposal for a design-build project aimed at constructing approximately 4.5 miles of dual express toll lanes on Interstate 405 in the Bothell area. Skanska’s proposed cost for the project is $834 million, according to a report from the Daily Journal of Commerce. Initial estimates from last year had projected the contract’s cost to range between $450 million and $525 million. According to the report, Skanska has not yet been awarded a contract.
The project will involve the addition of ETLs spanning from south of the I-405/state Route 522 interchange to the I-405/state Route 527 interchange. Key improvements encompass the creation of new lanes, direct access ramps, interchange enhancements, Sound Transit Stride bus rapid transit stations and installation of new fish passage culverts. Additionally, connections will be established to the Canyon Park and Brickyard park-and-ride lots.
Renderings released by WSDOT illustrate a new center direct access ramp from 17th Avenue Southeast in Canyon Park to the I-405 ETLs. Plans also include a new center direct access ramp to the I-405 ETLs in south Bothell, along with the construction of a new bridge for northbound I-405 traffic, according to the report. The existing northbound I-405 bridge in south Bothell will be converted into dual southbound ETLs.
Skanska’s Civil West division is part of the project team, with AECOM Technical Services serving as the lead designer and O’Neill Service Group overseeing quality assurance and environmental compliance. Another team led by the Walsh Group and Aecon is also vying for the opportunity.
According to previous reports by the DJC, construction is scheduled to commence in mid-2023, with the new lanes expected to open by mid-2027.
