Traffic Alert Reminder!

Last winter an expansion joint in the eastbound lanes of the East Channel Bridge failed. This caused back-ups on I-90 and Mercer Island as they shifted traffic around the expansion joint. When this happened last winter, they said replacement would happen in 2025. That time is here. Work is scheduled to take place between September 18 – October 4. WSDOT crews will replace the failed expansion joints, shift lanes, and complete other related essential work. They will reduce I-90 to 3-lanes and close eastbound on-ramps to I-90 from Mercer Island. It is our understanding that there should be no full I-90 closures, however there will be short-term, rolling closures overnight. WSDOT will close two of our three eastbound (towards Bellevue) on-ramps to I-90. These will be continuous (24-hour) closures:

• East Mercer Way (EMW) on-ramp will be closed for 6-8 days starting September 18. This timeframe is dependent on how much they can accomplish during the 6-8 day window.
• 80th Ave SE / HOV on-ramp in Town Center will be closed for the full 16-days.

These closures will detour all east/Bellevue-bound traffic into Town Center to get onto the freeway at Island Crest Way. Westward/Seattle-bound on-ramps will all remain open.

We are anticipating significant delays throughout the north end of the Island, especially getting on/off the Island for the duration of the closure. If possible, avoid peak commute times during weekday mornings (7:00AM-9:00AM) and afternoons (4:00PM-6:00PM).

Check the WSDOT Real-Time Travel Map before you leave. We encourage you to sign up to get direct updates from WSDOT via email and/or the WSDOT app. The City of Mercer Island has also set up an information page with details.