Monday, March 2, 2026

A new spin in Kirkland: Northeast 85th Street roundabout opens this spring

By: Julie Moon

This spring, Northeast 85th Street in Kirkland is getting a fresh look!

Drivers will start using the new oblong roundabout at the new lower street level. This work is part of the I-405/Northeast 85th Street and Inline BRT Station Project.

Diagram showing Northeast 85th Street with an oblong roundabout in the center, connecting ramps, and red dashed lines indicating the flow of traffic.
New Northeast 85th Street configuration this spring.

The roundabout will be on level one, which is the lowest level of the new three-level interchange. Right now, local traffic on Northeast 85th Street is using level two. This setup was temporary while crews dug down to build level one. Once it opens, level one will become the new permanent street for Northeast 85th Street.

Design rendering showing the future I-405/Northeast 85th Street interchange with I-405 on level three, the transit platform on level two, and Northeast 85th Street on level one.
Design visualization of the new three-level interchange on I-405 in Kirkland.

Design rendering showing a close-up of the future I-405/Northeast 85th Street interchange with I-405 on level three, the transit platform on level two, and the oblong roundabout on Northeast 85th Street on level one.
Level one is Northeast 85th Street, the lowest level of the new interchange.

Roundabout besties with Northeast 132nd Street

If you've used the roundabouts at Northeast 132nd Street, this one will feel similar. It works the same way and helps traffic keep moving with fewer stops and delays.

The driving rules are the same as all our roundabouts:

  • Slow down to the posted limit as you approach.
  • Drive counterclockwise.
  • Yield to vehicles already in the roundabout on your left.

Closures in March and April

Coming up in March, crews will close the northbound I-405 off-ramp to Northeast 85th Street (Exit 18) for paving and ramp realignment. In April, Northeast 85th Street will close for one weekend between 120th Avenue Northeast and 114th Avenue Northeast for a traffic shift. All ramps to and from I-405 at Northeast 85th Street will also close. Signed detours will be in place to get around Northeast 85th Street. When the road reopens Monday morning, drivers will use the new roundabout.

Aerial view of the work zone taken in January.

Plan ahead!

These closures are needed to keep workers and drivers safe. Please plan for:

  • Extra travel time. Use alternate routes and travel during non-peak hours if you can.
  • Signed detours and flaggers to guide drivers around construction.
  • Slower speeds and careful driving through work zones.

Looking ahead

After the roundabout opens, work will continue on level one. Crews will build walls, install utilities, and get the road ready for new ramps to level two. On level two, crews will place large bridge beams for the new Stride bus rapid transit station and the Sound Transit 2 Line platform. This middle level will serve multimodal users – bus riders, light rail riders, carpoolers, toll lane users, cyclists, and people walking and rolling.

Design rendering showing the future transit platform on level two of the new three-level interchange at Northeast 85th Street.
Design visualization of the multimodal platform on level two, still under construction.

Check out the WSDOT real-time travel map for up-to-date information. If you have any questions or would like to sign up for project updates, please email I405SR167Program@wsdot.wa.gov. Stay informed by subscribing to WSDOT updates for King County.

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