Kirkland I-405 Pedestrian Overpass Will Close For Construction

KIRKLAND, WA — A sewer main replacement under Kirkland Avenue will force the closure of the Northeast 80th Street I-405 pedestrian overpass beginning on July 15 — but when it reopens, the walkway will be improved for wheelchair users.

Here's more from a city of Kirkland press release:

The pedestrian bridge that spans Interstate 405 to connect South Rose Hill’s 116th Avenue Northeast to Everest’s Kirkland Avenue will be closed from 7 a.m. July 15 to 5 p.m. July 17.

The closure allows crews to replace an aged sewer manhole beneath the sidewalk near the bridge’s western base—one of the most significant tasks in the City’s ongoing project to upgrade the water and sewer mains beneath Kirkland Avenue. The project also includes the installation of a new curb ramp and sidewalk panels to improve access for people who travel by wheelchair. It will also reduce the tendency for stormwater to collect on the sidewalk at the bridge’s base.

Rodarte Construction, the City’s contractor, will establish a walking and bicycling detour around the bridge. That detour will direct foot and bicycle traffic along Northeast 70th Place.

Kirkland Avenue will remain closed between 116th Avenue Northeast and Slater Street from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays until July 12.

Rodarte Construction finished upgrading the water main in early June and is on pace to complete the sewer main upgrade in August. By replacing the old sewer mains, the City of Kirkland is increasing their capacity to serve Kirkland’s residents and, at the same time, simplifying the maintenance process for Kirkland’s staff.