The freeway bridge on Interstate 405 at 116th Street in Kirkland, Washington is not officially named. Thanks to legislation introduced by Sen. Rodney Tom, 48th Legislative District, and a policy of the Washington State Transportation Commission, the state-owned bridge could be named in memory of Kollin Nielson.

Nielson was employed by Kiewit Pacific Construction Company, WSDOT’s contractor, and was killed in June 2007 by a drunk driver during construction of the I-405 Kirkland Nickel Stage 1 Widening project. State Transportation Commission guidelines allow for the naming of state facilities if a public comment opportunity is provided. To meet this requirement, Kirkland’s Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. June 24, Kirkland City Hall, 123 Fifth Avenue, to accept public testimony on the WSDOT’s proposal to rename the overpass bridge as the “Kollin Nielson Memorial Bridge.” For more information, contact Don Anderson, P.E., Kirkland Public Works at 425-587-3826 or danderson@ci.kirkland.wa.us.