Traffic Alert: I-90 to Close for Annual Blue Angels Seafair Show

From the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT):

Drivers should plan ahead for this week’s annual closures of I-90 across Lake Washington for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Seafair air shows. WSDOT will close all lanes of I-90 between I-5 and Island Crest Way several times between Thur., July 30 and Sun., Aug. 2.

No stopping or parking is allowed on the floating bridge. By closing I-90, WSDOT is complying with Federal Aviation Administration rules to create a safer environment for motorists and Blue Angels pilots by reducing distractions to both.

General closures:

• Thur., July 30: Crews will close the bridge from 9:45 a.m. to noon and again from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. during the Blue Angels practice sessions. The center roadway will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Fri., July 31: Crews will close the bridge from 12:45 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. during the Blue Angels’ practice sessions. The center roadway will be closed from 10:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Sat., Aug. 1 & Sun., Aug. 2: Crews will close the bridge from 12:45 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. for the full shows. The center roadway will be closed from 10:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Note: The bridge will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists up to 30 minutes prior to posted closure times

Express lanes and ramp closures:

• Northbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 ramp
• Southbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 ramp
• Southbound and northbound Rainier Avenue ramps
• 76th Avenue to westbound I-90 (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)
• Island Crest Way to westbound I-90
• Eastbound I-90 to West Mercer Way (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show)
• East Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show)
• West Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (up to one hour prior to show or practice)

The exits from westbound I-90 to Island Crest Way and East Mercer Way on Mercer Island will remain open, although drivers should expect heavy congestion.

Drivers who want to get across Lake Washington via I-90 should plan to get to the bridge an hour ahead of the closures. The SR 520 bridge will remain open to vehicle traffic during the I-90 closures. Marine traffic will be delayed.

For traffic information, go here.

Tagged as: mt. baker, Rainier Avenue South, Seafair