Seattle Faces Major Traffic Delays on Eastbound I-90

Seattle Faces Major Traffic Delays on Eastbound I-90

Seattle is experiencing significant traffic congestion on eastbound Interstate 90, primarily between Seattle and Bellevue, due to ongoing construction and accidents. Motorists are advised to plan for lengthy travel times, with reports indicating delays of up to two hours for those commuting from West Seattle to Bellevue.

Construction Details

The current construction project is taking place between September 18 and October 5, during which the eastbound lanes are reduced to three, specifically between Mercer Island and the Eastside. These lane reductions necessitate lower speed limits, creating additional complications for drivers. Crews are actively working on the East Channel Bridge to complete essential joint repairs.

Traffic delays are particularly intense on Mercer Island due to these lane reductions, with specific closures affecting the 80th Street HOV on-ramp and the East Mercer Way on-ramp. The only open entrance to I-90 eastbound during this construction is the Island Crest Way on-ramp.

Impact of Recent Accidents

Further complicating the traffic situation was a recent accident that occurred in the Mount Baker Tunnel. On Monday afternoon, a crash involving an RV and another vehicle led to the RV catching fire, creating large plumes of smoke. This incident resulted in the closure of all eastbound lanes near Rainier Avenue South. Firefighters successfully extinguished the fire by 12:50 p.m., but all lanes remained closed for safety inspections until they reopened at 7:14 p.m. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the crash.

Ongoing Construction and Future Closures

The construction on I-90 alongside the ongoing I-90 expansion joint replacement project has necessitated additional lane and ramp closures. The East Mercer Way on-ramp is set to remain closed for an estimated 6 to 8 days, while the HOV on-ramp at 80th Avenue Southeast will be closed for approximately 16 days. Additionally, one lane of eastbound traffic leading to the East Channel Bridge is also closed for the duration of the construction.

Motorists should be aware that a flammable cargo restriction is in place for both directions of the Mount Baker and Mercer Island Lid tunnels, contributing to heightened safety measures in the area.

Advice for Commuters

As the construction efforts and recent incidents on I-90 are likely to continue affecting traffic into early October, commuters are urged to seek alternative routes whenever possible, allow for extra travel time, and exercise patience as crews complete necessary repair work.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has noted that lane reductions and advisories are still in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 5. Additional lane closures and reductions on both I-90 and I-405 are planned throughout September, which may affect traffic in various regions.

Staying updated on traffic conditions and adjusting travel times can help alleviate some of the frustrations caused by the current congestion and construction delays on I-90.