Blue Angels to cause I-90 Bridge closures

The Washington State Department of Transportation will close all lanes of Interstate 90 across Lake Washington several times from Aug. 4-7 for air show practices and performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. By closing I-90, WSDOT is complying with Federal Aviation Administration rules to create a safer environment for drivers and Blue Angels pilots by reducing distractions to both.

July 27, 2011 3:00 pm
The Washington State Department of Transportation will close all lanes of Interstate 90 across Lake Washington several times from Aug. 4-7 for air show practices and performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
The Washington State Department of Transportation will close all lanes of Interstate 90 across Lake Washington several times from Aug. 4-7 for air show practices and performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

The Washington State Department of Transportation will close all lanes of Interstate 90 across Lake Washington several times from Aug. 4-7 for air show practices and performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

By closing I-90, WSDOT is complying with Federal Aviation Administration rules to create a safer environment for drivers and Blue Angels pilots by reducing distractions to both.

Closures include all mainline I-90 lanes between I-5 in Seattle and Island Crest Way on Mercer Island, and the entire length of the I-90 express lanes. Also, the bridge will be closed to all pedestrians and bicyclists up to 30 minutes prior to posted closure times.

The exits from westbound I-90 to Island Crest Way and East Mercer Way on Mercer Island will remain open, although drivers should note that heavy congestion during these closures restricts access to the exits.

There will be two separate bridge closures on Aug. 4: from 9:45 a.m to noon; and 1:15-2:30 p.m. The bridge will also close from 12:45-2:40 p.m. Aug. 5-7.

Drivers who want to ensure they can cross the lake using I-90 should drive across Lake Washington at least one hour before the announced closure times. No stopping or parking is allowed on the floating bridges.

During the I-90 closures, the SR 520 floating bridge will remain open to vehicular traffic.