To make room for more southbound Interstate 405 lanes in south Bellevue, contractors for the state Department of Transportation will remove the Wilburton Tunnel (just north of the I 405/I-90 interchange) this summer.

For two months, beginning in mid-June, lanes will be closed many nights to allow crews to remove dirt from the top and sides of the tunnel.

Then, over three weekends in August, demolition of the tunnel itself with wrecking balls and hydraulic excavators fitted to break up concrete will generate a tremendous amount of noise.

The state DOT has issued a noise notice because the project may generate more than 80 decibels of noise for area residents, equivalent to the sound of a freight train from about 50 feet.

The notice includes the contacts for the state DOT and its contractors. For questions during business hours, contact Barbara Ramey at 425-401-4143 or at barbara.ramey@atkn.com.

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