This week, the traffic snarls are all about Seafair, so plan accordingly.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will close all lanes of Interstate 90 across Lake Washington several times from Thursday, Aug. 2, through Sunday, Aug. 5, to accommodate air show practices and performances by the United States Navy Blue Angels for this year's Seafair festivities.
By closing I-90, WSDOT is complying with Federal Aviation Administration rules to create a safer environment for drivers and Blue Angels pilots by reducing distractions to both.
The closure times are listed below. They include all mainline I-90 lanes between Interstate 5 in Seattle and Island Crest Way on Mercer Island, and the entire length of the I-90 Center Roadway. Also, the bridge will be closed to all pedestrians and bicyclists up to 30 minutes prior to posted closure times.
The exits from westbound I-90 to Island Crest Way and East Mercer Way on Mercer Island will remain open, although drivers should note that heavy congestion during these closures restricts access to the exits.
The listed times are for mainline I-90 closures. Drivers are reminded that the Center Roadway will close up to two hours before the times indicated. The following ramps can be expected to close 30 minutes prior to posted closures depending on congestion: East Mercer Way to West I-90, 76th Avenue Southeast to West I-90, West Mercer Way to West I-90 and East I-90 to West Mercer Way.
CLOSURE TIMES
■ Thursday, Aug. 2 - (Two separate bridge closures, during which pilots will practice maneuvers and become familiar with area geography)
First Closure: 9:45 a.m.-12 p.m.
Second Closure: 1:15-2:30 p.m.
■ Friday, Aug. 3 - 12:45 -2:40 p.m. (practice show)
■ Saturday, Aug. 4 - 12:45-2:40 p.m. (full show)
■ Sunday, Aug. 5 - 12:45-2:40 p.m. (full show)
Drivers who want to ensure they can cross the lake using I-90 should drive across Lake Washington at least one hour before the announced closure times. No stopping or parking is allowed on the floating bridges.
During the I-90 closures, the SR 520 floating bridge will not open to marine traffic. It will remain open to vehicular traffic.
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