The lower level of the I-405 / NE 85 th Street interchange will open on Monday, May 11, after a weekend closure of NE 85 th beginning at 10 p.m. Friday. With the new setup, drivers should expect to encounter new multilane roundabouts. They will keep traffic moving with fewer stops and delays.
Does the idea leave your head spinning? Follow these tips to keep yourself, other drivers, bikers, and pedestrians safe while driving in multilane roundabouts:
- Choose the appropriate lane based on the lane assignment signs.
- Stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk before entering the roundabout.
- Look to your left and yield to drivers already in the roundabout.
- Stay in your lane and let the pavement markings guide you.
- Be courteous and use your right turn signal to indicate your exit to the vehicles around you.
- Stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk while exiting the roundabout.
Remember, this is still an active construction zone, so please go slow.
Watch this video to learn more about safely navigating roundabouts.
Check out the WSDOT blog for more information on the new NE 85th Street configuration: https://wsdotblog.blogspot.com/2026/03/a-new-spin-in-kirkland-northeast-85th.html .
Image courtesy of WSDOT.
