The Interstate 90/State Route 18 Interchange Improvements project is making dramatic progress, as WSDOT crews work toward completing the diverging diamond interchange and widening SR 18.
Beginning Saturday night, Sept. 13, they’ll have a series of nighttime lane closures on the I-90/SR 18 ramps continuing through the end of the month, as we pave and finish a pedestrian path through the interchange.
Expect left lane closures on the eastbound I-90 on- and off-ramps, as well as on the southbound Snoqualmie Parkway and eastbound SR 18 on-ramps to westbound I-90, between 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, and 6 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14. Lane closures are only expected to last a few hours on each ramp.
WSDOT will have similar short-term left lane closures on the eastbound and westbound I-90 off-ramps and the southbound Snoqualmie Parkway and eastbound SR 18 on-ramps to westbound I-90 from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly Monday, Sept. 15, through Friday morning, Sept. 19, and again the following week (Sept. 22-26).
The I-90/SR 18 project includes a multi-use path and crosswalks that will allow pedestrians, cyclists and people using mobility devices to safely pass through the interchange. When finished, the separated path will run beneath the I-90 bridges on the west side of SR 18.
Sidewalks will cross several islands that are part of the diverging diamond and will include curb ramps that are compliant with modern Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
I-90 Westbound off-ramp closed Sept. 19-22
The I-90 westbound off ramp will close from 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22. WSDOT contractor crews will apply the final layer of asphalt and temporary striping to the ramp. Westbound I-90 drivers should loop around at Preston/Fall City (Exit 22) and use the eastbound I-90 off-ramp to SR 18 and Snoqualmie Parkway during the closure. This will mark the first section of the new diverging diamond to receive its “top lift” of pavement.
Working to widen SR 18
The project to widen SR 18 to two lanes in each direction between I-90 and Deep Creek continues to move forward. Significant progress was made this past week, including the placement of approximately 4,700 tons of asphalt on eastbound SR 18 between the Deep Creek and Raging River bridges, establishing a solid base for the roadway.
Crews are also installing wiring and utilities for lighting and communication systems, completing pond construction and storm drainage, shaping slopes, and continuing landscaping work.
The final step will be the placement of the top layer of pavement later this fall. A top layer will also be added to the westbound lanes, which are currently carrying traffic in both directions. If work proceeds as scheduled, the widening phase of the project is expected to be complete this fall.
Heading to Issaquah? Plan ahead
Westbound I-90 will be reduced to a single lane 24 hours a day this weekend in Issaquah to repair two bridges. From 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, to 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, contractor crews working for WSDOT will reduce westbound I-90 to a single open lane from east of the East Sunset Way off-ramp to west of Front Street (mileposts 18 to 16).
People traveling through the area during the around-the-clock lane reduction should expect significant delays during busy travel times and consider alternate routes.
Project Hotline
Do you have comments or questions about the I-90/ SR 18 interchange and improvements project? Please call the hotline at 206-216-4545 and leave your comment or question. WSDOT will call you back.
[Information provided by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)]
Comments
Why do you want people to walk through the I-90 interchange?