I-90 lane closures could mean huge backups
MERCER ISLAND, Wash. - Major roadwork on the Interstate 90 floating bridge could create horrific traffic jams over the next two weeks, state transportation officials warned Sunday.
At 4 p.m. Sunday, westbound I-90 was reduced to one lane while crews restriped the freeway. Effective 5 a.m. Monday, all westbound traffic is being funneled into the two express lanes around the clock for two weeks.
Severe backups are expected for up to 70,000 vehicles that travel westbound I-90 each day until the lanes reopen on July 20.
"Now more than ever, commuters need to check the traffic conditions and have a backup plan before they leave home," said Russ East, assistant regional administrator with the state Transportation Department.
Otherwise, he said, motorists could get stuck in delays of an hour or more on westbound I-90 in both the morning and afternoon.
"We need everyone's help and patience to get through the next two weeks of tough traffic," East said.
State transportation crews will be 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.
During the construction period, drivers can get the latest closure and traffic delay information on the DOT's What's Happening Now page.
Travel times of 30 to 60 minutes or more are predicted on I-90 from Bellevue to Seattle, and longer from Issaquah, transportation officials said.
Eastbound traffic also faces commute delays in the evening because the I-90 express lanes will be carrying only westbound traffic.
Peak morning traffic is normally about 7,000 vehicles per hour, while the two express lanes are only capable of carrying about 2,800 vehicles per hour.
In the afternoon, peak traffic is normally about 7,000 vehicles per hour, and the three eastbound lanes are capable of carrying about 5,000 vehicles per hour.
Each of the alternate routes across and around Lake Washington is congested, and drivers should plan extra time for their commutes starting Monday, officials said.
State transportation officials recommended traveling I-90 westbound before 6 a.m. or avoiding traveling during peak commute times. Sharing the ride, using transit, working from home and taking a vacation all other ways to beat backups.
Drivers headed to events in Seattle also should allow extra time in their trips, officials said. The Mariners begin a seven game home-stand Monday evening at Safeco Field.
Commuters also can ride a bike on the I-90 floating bridge bike path, which includes two temporary bridges built around the construction zone.
The Cascade Bicycle Club is sponsoring bike pilots to guide commuters and has a "Bridging with Bikes" programs on July 10 and 17. More details are at their web site, www.cbcef.org.
At 4 p.m. Sunday, westbound I-90 was reduced to one lane while crews restriped the freeway. Effective 5 a.m. Monday, all westbound traffic is being funneled into the two express lanes around the clock for two weeks.
Severe backups are expected for up to 70,000 vehicles that travel westbound I-90 each day until the lanes reopen on July 20.
"Now more than ever, commuters need to check the traffic conditions and have a backup plan before they leave home," said Russ East, assistant regional administrator with the state Transportation Department.
Otherwise, he said, motorists could get stuck in delays of an hour or more on westbound I-90 in both the morning and afternoon.
"We need everyone's help and patience to get through the next two weeks of tough traffic," East said.
State transportation crews will be 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.
During the construction period, drivers can get the latest closure and traffic delay information on the DOT's What's Happening Now page.
Travel times of 30 to 60 minutes or more are predicted on I-90 from Bellevue to Seattle, and longer from Issaquah, transportation officials said.
Eastbound traffic also faces commute delays in the evening because the I-90 express lanes will be carrying only westbound traffic.
Peak morning traffic is normally about 7,000 vehicles per hour, while the two express lanes are only capable of carrying about 2,800 vehicles per hour.
In the afternoon, peak traffic is normally about 7,000 vehicles per hour, and the three eastbound lanes are capable of carrying about 5,000 vehicles per hour.
Each of the alternate routes across and around Lake Washington is congested, and drivers should plan extra time for their commutes starting Monday, officials said.
State transportation officials recommended traveling I-90 westbound before 6 a.m. or avoiding traveling during peak commute times. Sharing the ride, using transit, working from home and taking a vacation all other ways to beat backups.
Drivers headed to events in Seattle also should allow extra time in their trips, officials said. The Mariners begin a seven game home-stand Monday evening at Safeco Field.
Commuters also can ride a bike on the I-90 floating bridge bike path, which includes two temporary bridges built around the construction zone.
The Cascade Bicycle Club is sponsoring bike pilots to guide commuters and has a "Bridging with Bikes" programs on July 10 and 17. More details are at their web site, www.cbcef.org.