The Washington State Department of Transportation has selected Guy F. Atkinson Construction, LLC to build the I-405, NE Eighth Street to SR 520 Braided Ramps project.

Atkinson, of Renton, submitted the apparent best value proposal of $107.5 million to complete design and construction on the project. The project is known as the “Bellevue Braids” because the ramps linking I-405 to SR 520 look like braids.

WSDOT determines the apparent best value contractor by using a mathematical formula to calculate the overall best value proposal. WSDOT and Atkinson expect to sign a contract giving notice to proceed in the next couple of weeks, and motorists can expect construction to begin early next year.

The project is located on I-405 between NE Eighth Street and SR 520, and on SR 520 from I-405 to 124th Avenue NE. When completed the project improvements will help address congestion at the I-405/SR 520 intersection by:

* Improving safety and commute times by eliminating traffic weaves that contribute up to eight hours of congestion a day in Bellevue;

* Addressing traffic flow by tackling back-ups on the highest volume ramp on the I-405 corridor from northbound I-405 to eastbound SR 520;

* Improving congestion on eastbound SR 520 in the vicinity of 124th Avenue NE ramp, leading in to the busy Northrop business district in Bellevue;

* Reducing congestion on NE 8th street, improving local access, and traffic flow in downtown Bellevue; and

* Enhancing local pedestrian and bicycle access with a new, longer, wider NE 12th Street bridge.

“We’ve combined funding from the 2005 legislative investments with Recovery Act funds to get this project completed earlier than scheduled, creating jobs now and generating long-term economic benefits for the state,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary.

While the bulk of the funding comes from the 2005 Transportation Partnership Account (TPA) gas tax, the Bellevue Braids was recognized as a critical “shovel-ready” project, receiving $30 million from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to advance the schedule. This Recovery Act funding, together with the quick response by local and state legislators, will result in drivers getting the fix and a safer roadway approximately one year earlier.

Atkinson estimates the construction project will directly support more than 300 construction jobs. It is expected construction worker spending will provide a boost to the local economy and improved access created by the project will help support area businesses.

“Atkinson has pulled together an excellent design-build team that brings innovative design to the project at a competitive price,” said Kim Henry, Eastside Corridor Project Director. “The work we do together on this project will help ease congestion in the vicinity of the SR 520/I-405 interchange – bringing welcome relief to eastside commuters”

WSDOT is continuing to work closely with the city of Bellevue and other nearby stakeholders to ensure a smooth start and successful completion of the project.

“We’re meeting regularly with Overlake Hospital Medical Center to ensure minimal interruptions to patient care” said Henry. “We’ll carefully monitor vibration, noise and air quality to ensure we’re being good neighbors to the medical district”

The project is scheduled for completion by fall 2012. For more information, visit the Bellevue Braids project.