News Summary
Seattle commuters face significant delays on Eastbound I-90 due to ongoing construction and a recent accident. The Washington Department of Transportation announced lane reductions for bridge repairs until October, exacerbating traffic issues. Congestion is severe, especially between Seattle and Bellevue, with long travel times reported. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes and stay updated on real-time traffic conditions.
Seattle Traffic Alert: Major Delays and Construction on I-90
Seattle residents and commuters are experiencing significant traffic delays on Eastbound I-90 due to ongoing construction activities and a recent multi-vehicle accident involving a fire. The congestion has primarily impacted the routes between Seattle and Bellevue, creating extensive backups and lengthy travel times.
Construction Project Causes Major Congestion
The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced that construction work began on September 18, and is scheduled to continue until October 5. During this period, eastbound lanes on I-90 will be reduced to three lanes between Mercer Island and the Eastside. The lane closures are part of a project to repair joints on the East Channel Bridge, a key structure on the route. Reduced speed limits are in effect to ensure safety for construction crews and drivers alike.
The lane restrictions have led to significant backups, especially on Mercer Island, where traffic congestion has been reported as severe. Drivers heading eastbound from Bellevue have experienced delays extending well beyond usual commute times, with some reporting travel durations of up to two hours from West Seattle to Bellevue.
Specific closures during the construction period include the 80th Street HOV on-ramp and the East Mercer Way on-ramp. The East Mercer Way on-ramp closure is expected to last 6 to 8 days, while the HOV on-ramp at 80th Avenue Southeast will be closed for a total of 16 days. The only remaining open entrance for eastbound traffic onto I-90 from Mercer Island is through the Island Crest Way on-ramp.
Recent Traffic Incidents Impact Travel
In addition to construction-related delays, a crash involving an RV and another vehicle occurred Monday afternoon near the Mount Baker Tunnel. The incident resulted in large plumes of smoke and caused the eastbound lanes to be temporarily closed for safety inspections and firefighting efforts. Firefighters managed to extinguish the RV fire by 12:50 p.m., and the lanes were reopened at 7:14 p.m..
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries from the crash. During closure, all eastbound lanes of the I-90 Mount Baker Tunnel were shut, affecting multiple ramps and causing additional delays in the area. The RV involved was later towed, and the incident prompted a temporary restriction on flammable cargo in both directions through the Mount Baker and Mercer Island Lid tunnels.
Ongoing and Future Traffic Management Measures
Traffic management measures include lane and speed limit reductions throughout the construction period, which are scheduled to remain in effect until the morning of October 5. These restrictions are designed to facilitate bridge repairs safely, but they are contributing to prolonged congestion during peak hours.
Further planned closures and lane reductions are anticipated across I-90 and I-405 during September. These ongoing projects aim to improve infrastructure but are expected to continue causing disruptions across multiple areas in the region.
Travelers are advised to plan accordingly, expect delays, and consider alternate routes or modes of transportation when possible. Real-time traffic updates and information about current closures are available from transportation authorities to help drivers navigate during this period.
Summary
- Eastbound I-90 between Mercer Island and Bellevue is heavily congested due to construction and recent accidents.
- Construction for joint repair on the East Channel Bridge started September 18 and will last until October 5, reducing lanes and speed limits.
- The East Mercer Way on-ramp and the 80th Street HOV on-ramp are temporarily closed, with some closures lasting over two weeks.
- A recent crash involving an RV fire resulted in lane closures in the Mount Baker Tunnel area, with all lanes reopened by Monday evening.
- Additional lane reductions and closures are planned through September, impacting travel on I-90 and nearby corridors.
- Motorists are encouraged to stay informed of current conditions to minimize delay impacts during this period.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Seattle: Eastbound I-90 Traffic Update
- Seattle Times: I-405 and I-90 Closures
- KIRO 7: WSDOT Reschedules 5-Day Closure
- KOMO News: I-90 Mount Baker Tunnel Incident
- My Northwest: I-90 Mercer Island Chokepoints
- Wikipedia: Interstate 90
- Google Search: Traffic Updates Seattle
- Google Scholar: Traffic Management Seattle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
- Google News: Seattle Traffic News
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