Motorists heading north or traveling along I-90 this weekend should expect significant delays. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), a section of westbound I-90 in Issaquah is being constricted to a single lane from this evening to early Sunday morning, Sept. 28. During this period, up to three right lanes near Front Street North will be closed off, as noted in a travel advisory published by the City of Snoqualmie.
The lane reductions, which span from mileposts 18 to 16, coincide with the temporary closure of the Front Street on-ramp to westbound I-90. A detour is expected to reroute drivers to the 270th Avenue SE/SE High Point Way on-ramp. The objective behind the lane closure and on-ramp shutdown is to facilitate repairs on aging pavement and waterproof membranes on the region's bridges. The WSDOT's initiative mirrors similar repairs carried out on the left half of the bridges between Sept. 19-21. However, the work is weather-dependent and it may be postponed if rain interrupts their schedule, as detailed by the city's website.
Travelers who have to pass through the affected stretch during the ongoing work should budget extra time for their trips, especially during peak travel hours. It's advisable to seek alternate routes, as significant congestion is anticipated. For those with no choice but to brave the I-90, take heed that the speed limit will be dialed back to 45 mph to ensure the safety of the work zone.
Once more, the westbound I-90 will be reduced to just one lane the weekend of Oct. 10-12, due to more bridge repairs that are necessary to extend the life of these structures which trace back to the early '70s. For the most current traveling information, WSDOT encourages drivers to utilize their mobile app or travel map, or sign up for email updates.
