Expect heavy weekend traffic for I-90 bridge closure

Drivers on eastbound Interstate 90 across Lake Washington will want to plan ahead for another weekend of road work.

Beginning at 11 p.m. Friday, March 11, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation and Sound Transit will reroute all eastbound lanes of I-90 to the express lanes between Rainier Avenue South and Bellevue Way Southeast until 5 a.m. Monday, March 14.

The lane closures on I-90 will provide contractor crews space to upgrade the operations and safety systems in the eastbound Mount Baker and Mercer Island tunnels. The tunnel work is needed before Sound Transit begins work in 2017 to devote the I-90 express lanes to the 14-mile East Link light rail extension.

Drivers traveling east from Seattle should plan on delays along I-5, 520 and I-90 in downtown Seattle. Those heading north to CenturyLink Field or downtown Seattle should consider using alternate routes like 99.

There are events in Seattle that may be impacted by the closure:

Bacon, Eggs and Kegs at the CenturyLink Field North Plaza
&#8226 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 12 & Sunday, March 13

Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show at the CenturyLink Field Event Center
&#8226 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 12.
&#8226 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 13.

St. Patrick’s Day Dash in downtown Seattle – Drivers, expect delays downtown. Runners, street parking is free on Sunday but you should try to take the bus into downtown
&#8226 8 a.m. Sunday, March 13. – The race starts at 8am and route will be along 4th Ave from Seneca to Seattle Center and back. See the route map here.

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