Westbound drivers who want to avoid getting burned heading into Seattle this month should start planning now.

On Friday, July 18 westbound I-90 near Mercer Island will be reduced to just one lane around-the-clock until 5 a.m. Friday, July 25. During the lane closure, contractor crews will replace two 33-year-old, 92-foot-long expansion joints on the East Channel Bridge, which just west of I-405.

We urge you start planning for this now. Longer than normal backups can’t be avoided, but working together we can reduce some of the impact. There are some handy tips for drivers available on our project announcement. We’ve also created a lane closure animation that shows what’s closed and how drivers will get through the work zone.

You can learn more about this project, the lane and ramp closures and find out why can’t be done in overnight or weekend closures (one of the most frequently asked questions) on the project website.  For more information, please contact Kris Olsen at olsenk@wsdot.wa.gov