State to close I-90 for annual Blue Angels Seafair show


July 30, 2009 · 3:36 PM

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Closures of the I-90 floating bridge on Lake Washington will continue Friday and this weekend for the U.S Navy Blue Angels Seafair air shows over the lake.

The closures will affect all lanes of I-90 between I-5 and Island Crest Way on Mercer Island.

No stopping or parking is allowed on the floating bridge. By closing I-90, the Washington state Department of Transportation 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

• Friday, 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.

• Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, 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.

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.

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