Work to construct new lanes that will reduce congestion as they travel between Bellevue and Lynnwood got on the fast track this week as the Washington State Department of Transportation picked a company to build the I-405, Northeast Sixth to I-5 Widening and Express Toll Lanes project.

Flatiron Constructors of Seattle submitted the apparent best value proposal of $155.5 million to complete design and construction on the last I-405 Nickel and Transportation Partnership Act-funded project.

“Flatiron has assembled an excellent design-build team that brings innovative design at an aggressive price to build 17 miles of complex roadway improvements,” said Kim Henry, I-405/SR 167 director. “This project is about congestion relief.”

The project will complete a new lane in each direction adjacent to the general purpose lanes from NE 6th Street in Bellevue to SR 522 in Bothell. Crews will also build new northbound ramps from NE 160th to SR 522 and nine noise walls.

WSDOT and Flatiron expect to sign a contract giving notice to proceed later this month on a first phase of design and construction activities. Motorists can expect the team to break ground by this summer.

Given final legislative approval, the new lane will be paired with the existing HOV lane from Northeast Sixth Street in Bellevue to SR 522 in Bothell to create express toll lanes. The HOV lane from SR 522 in Bothell to I-5 in Lynnwood would be converted into a high-occupancy toll lane. The Legislature directed the Washington State Transportation Commission to conduct an independent traffic and revenue study of I-405 express toll lanes and will make a decision later this year.

The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2015.