WSDOT To Smooth I-405 Edges Starting Dec. 19

Drivers will see a different kind of daily grind during the commute morning on Interstate 405 in Renton next week.  

Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 19 Washington State Department of Transportation crews will close the right lane of northbound I-405 between State Route 181 and State Route 167 to grind pavement on the shoulder so water can drain away instead of pooling onto the roadway. The roadwork is expected to take four days to complete. 

“We need to take care of this now, before freezing temperatures create a dangerous situation by turning that standing water into ice,” said Dave McCormick, assistant regional administrator for maintenance and operations. “This is a pretty simple fix that can make a huge difference.”

Crews will start at sunrise and work until around noon. For safety reasons, the grinding work must be completed during daylight hours.

Commuters should take an alternate route or expect delays and leave a little extra time to get to work. One consolation for non-carpooling commuters: all vehicles will be allowed to use the HOV lane within the work zone.

*Editor's Note: Information provided by WSDOT.