Severe backups are predicted both westbound and eastbound on the I-90 bridge across Lake Washington when the westbound lanes are closed July 6 for two weeks for major safety repairs.
Interstate 405 through Renton could see heavier-than-normal traffic as drivers look for alternatives to the I-90 bridge.
The transportation department is replacing cracked expansion joints on westbound I-90 and the express lanes across the floating bridge. Engineers are concerned the joints could pose a safety concern if not replaced.
The transporation department replaced the joints in the express lanes in May.
The state Department of Transportation is suggesting that commuters avoid the I-90 congestion by riding a bicycle across the floating bridge. The transportation department is keeping the bike and pedestrian path open during construction by building two temporary bridges.
“Bicyclists will have an easier go of it than most motorists across Lake Washington by using the bike path,” said Russ East, the transportation department’s assistant regional administrator.
“There aren’t many alternatives across the lake for people in cars and buses, and people could see travel times of more than an hour between Issaquah and Seattle,” he said.
During construction, all westbound traffic will be funneled into the two I-90 express lanes, and eastbound traffic will not be able to use the express lanes out of Seattle.
I-90 construction closures include:
• Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2: Two westbound lanes closed from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly on the floating bridge for construction prep work.
• Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2: I-90 express lanes closed 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for construction prep. From 3 – 10 p.m. daily, crews also will close the northernmost lane of the I-90 express lanes near East Mercer Way on Mercer Island. The lane is the far left lane when traffic is heading eastbound.
• Sunday, July 5: The I-90 express lanes will be completely closed almost all day. At 4 p.m., just one lane will be open on westbound mainline I-90 from Bellevue to Seattle.
• Monday, July 6: By 5 a.m., the mainline lanes of westbound I-90 will be completely closed and all westbound traffic will be funneled into the two express lanes.
• Use the Web to plan a commute: During construction, get the latest closure and traffic delay information on the transportation department’s
What’s Happening Now Web page.
The Cascade Bicycle Club is working with the transportation department to encourage commuters to try bicycle commuting. As part of its “Bridging with Bikes” program, Cascade will have bagels and juice for bike commuters at Mercer Island’s Park on the Lid on Fridays during construction.
“Cascade Bicycle Club staff will be at the east side of the bridge to greet riders, hand out snacks and answer bike commuting questions,” Cascade’s Commute Director John Mauro said. “Our team of bike pilots will guide new bike commuters to employment centers like downtown Seattle, the UW and Bellevue. It’s a great way to start your morning with a smile and beat the traffic on the bridge.”
If bicycle commuting isn’t an option, drivers can head westbound before 6 a.m. or after 7 p.m. to avoid the worst commute congestion. The eastbound evening commute also might see backups without access to the I-90 express lanes. Sharing the ride, using transit, working from home and taking a vacation all are ways to beat backups and cut down on congestion, according to the state.
