News Summary
Seattle commuters are facing significant delays on I-90 due to ongoing construction and a recent accident that closed multiple lanes. With lane reductions in place for construction work from Mercer Island to the Eastside, drivers are experiencing extended travel times. Ramp closures further exacerbate traffic backups. Additionally, crews are managing the aftermath of a significant vehicle accident, which resulted in a closure near the Mount Baker Tunnel. Travelers are advised to plan for extended delays and consider alternative routes as traffic conditions evolve.
Seattle Traffic Disruptions Mount Due to Construction and Recent Accidents on I-90
Commuters traveling eastbound on Interstate 90 (I-90) in Seattle are experiencing significant delays today, caused by ongoing construction work and a recent major accident that temporarily closed multiple lanes. The combined effect has led to heavy congestion and extended travel times for thousands of drivers in the area.
Heavy Congestion Due to Construction Activities
The most persistent issue affecting eastbound traffic stems from a series of construction projects scheduled from September 18 to October 5. During this period, the number of available lanes on I-90 between Mercer Island and the Eastside is reduced from four lanes to just three, significantly impacting flow. The construction focuses on repairing joints on the East Channel Bridge, an essential structure for cross-lake travel.
In order to ensure safety, reduced speed limits are in place throughout the construction zone. Drivers are advised to plan for longer travel times and to exercise caution while navigating the work zones. The lane and speed restrictions are scheduled to remain in effect until 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 5.
Traffic Backups and Impacted Ramps on Mercer Island
The lane reductions have led to significant traffic backups on Mercer Island. As of 3:00 p.m., the congestion stretched from the Bellevue East Bridge to nearly halfway across the I-90 Floating Bridge. Travel times from West Seattle to Bellevue have reportedly increased to as much as two hours, highlighting the severity of the delays.
Several ramp closures have compounded the situation. Notably, the 80th Street HOV on-ramp and the East Mercer Way on-ramp are closed during the ongoing work. The East Mercer Way on-ramp closure is expected to last for 6 to 8 days, whereas the HOV on-ramp at 80th Avenue Southeast will remain closed for 16 days. During these closures, the Island Crest Way I-90 eastbound on-ramp remains the only open entrance for vehicles heading east onto I-90 from Mercer Island.
Additionally, one lane approaching the East Channel Bridge is closed, further restricting eastbound traffic options and contributing to the congestion.
Recent Accident and Lane reopenings
On Monday afternoon, a significant accident involving a vehicle and an RV caught fire near the Mount Baker Tunnel. The incident resulted in the closure of all eastbound lanes at the site, along with multiple ramps in the area, to allow for inspections and emergency work.
Firefighters responded swiftly, successfully controlling the RV fire by 12:50 p.m. The crash also involved another car and generated large plumes of smoke. The lanes were closed for several hours, with all lanes reopening at 7:14 p.m. No injuries were reported from the incident, and the RV was towed away around 1:45 p.m.
A flammable cargo restriction remains in effect for both directions of the Mount Baker and Mercer Island Lid tunnels, reflecting ongoing safety precautions following the accident.
Additional Construction and Traffic Management Measures
Beyond the immediate construction and accident impacts, WSDOT has announced that additional lane reductions and closures will be scheduled across I-90 and I-405 during September. These measures are expected to intermittently impact traffic flow in several areas, requiring commuters to plan ahead and seek alternative routes where possible.
Travelers are encouraged to stay informed about current conditions, especially as the construction activities and scheduled closures may extend beyond the initial timeline, affecting typical travel plans and commute schedules.
Summary
In summary, ongoing construction work on I-90 along with a recent accident has severely affected eastbound traffic in the Seattle area. Lane reductions, temporary ramp closures, and an accident-related shutdown have contributed to long delays, with some drivers experiencing travel times of multiple hours. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, and travelers are advised to prepare for extended delays and to consider alternate routes during this period of increased activity and restricted lanes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Labor Strike Causes Widespread Disruption to Construction in Spokane
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Seattle: Eastbound I-90 Traffic Update
- Seattle Times: I-405 and I-90 Closures
- KIRO 7: WSDOT Reschedules 5-Day Closure
- KOMO News: I-90 Mount Baker Tunnel Incident
- My Northwest: I-90 Mercer Island Chokepoints
- Wikipedia: Interstate 90
- Google Search: Traffic Updates Seattle
- Google Scholar: Traffic Management Seattle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
- Google News: Seattle Traffic News
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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