from the Communications office of WSDOT:
Earlier this summer, we were told that WSDOT will have a project that will reduce westbound I-90 east of Issaquah to a single lane several times. We now have the first two sets of dates – Sept. 11-16 and Sept. 18-22.
These closures will begin at 9 p.m. each Sunday, after the rush of people returning from the weekend, and wrap up by 5 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16 and then Thursday, Sept. 22. During these closures we will replace about 1,550 feet of concrete roadway with asphalt pavement east of the Highlands Drive interchange. We’ll close the two left lanes starting Sept. 11, then the two right lanes starting Sept. 18.
For the work on mainline I-90, we need to reduce westbound travel to a single lane to provide a safe work zone for the people who will complete this important preservation work. About 29,000 vehicles use this section of westbound I-90 each day. With all three lanes open this area usually is free flowing. We expect to see some backups during this work, particularly at peak travel times.
In late 2022 or 2023, we will have four more multi-day lane reductions to repave a bridge deck and replace a bridge approach west of Preston. These also will begin Sunday nights and end early either Thursday or Fridays.
To limit the backups, we are starting an aggressive public outreach campaign using social and traditional media. While alternatives like public transportation or working from home don’t work for everyone, we are encouraging those who are able, to use these alternatives. Fewer vehicles on the road means more room for those who need to drive.
Highlands Drive on-ramp yet to be scheduled
I should note, we have a separate project that is scheduled to repair the Highlands Drive Northeast on-ramp to westbound I-90. We have heard from many people who are concerned about this; as soon as the work is scheduled we’ll let you know.