Weekend traffic problems expected across Puget Sound region
Sep 16, 2022, 11:53 AM
Crews have been working on the Revive I-5 project. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation)
(Photo courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation)
Think of it as traffic spaghetti this weekend. Just when you have your noodles around one fork, another meatball drops in.
The big traffic event of the weekend is, of course, the opening of the West Seattle Bridge on Sunday.
West Seattle Bridge passes strength tests, will reopen Sunday as planned
It has been more than 900 days since traffic flowed freely across the bridge.
Good morning & Happy Friday!
So far, so good traffic-wise.
Important Reminders:
🚧Smaller form of Revive I-5 tonight through 6am Sunday. The W Seattle Bridge & Columbian Way off-ramps, and 1 right lane closing.
🚧W Mercer Way on-ramp to WB I-90 closing this AM through Mon. AM pic.twitter.com/3S4EsXKPfu— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) September 16, 2022
According to the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), all final testing is complete. KIRO Newsradio’s senior traffic reporter Chris Sullivan said, “the bridge has passed its final exam.” SDOT reports it “won’t be a staggered opening” as had originally been considered.
Heather Marx, the project manager for SDOT, shared, “We’re just going to open the bridge and let people resume their lives.” Traffic authorities aren’t revealing exactly what time the bridge will open on Sunday. Those in the know say to expect it to be early Sunday morning.
Husky football adds to traffic problems
Keep in mind the Washington Huskies football game on Saturday. You will see increased congestion in both directions of I-5, I-90, SR 520, and SR513 in Seattle from 2-10 pm.
Revive I-5 and major work on I-405
Revive I-5 will continue this weekend, but end at 6 a.m. on Sunday in honor of the West Seattle Bridge opening.
The east side won’t be spared. I-405 between Bellevue and Renton will have all lanes in both directions closed at Lake Washington Blvd. Washington DOT said a major drainage system that runs under the highway will be replaced. That will require all vehicles to get off at the Lake Washington Blvd. exit and return via the on-ramp going both ways.
WSDOT’s Karl Westby is asking people to “take an alternate route.” Westby predicts major traffic backups throughout the east side.
Mercer Island Challenges
There will even be some traffic pain for Mercer Island. I-90 near West Mercer Way will have repair work done all weekend long. Travelers should expect lane closures on westbound I-90 as crews begin work to replace the expansion joint. Work will continue next weekend.
