Date:  Thursday, June 11, 2009

Contact: Mike Murphy, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4699
Jeff Switzer, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4700
Quick info link: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/i90/homerhadleybridgerepair

SEATTLE – The closure of the westbound I-90 mainline across the floating bridge is less than a month away, and WSDOT has new tools for commuters to avoid construction congestion. WSDOT traffic engineer Brian Dobbins says hour-long backups are possible between Issaquah and Seattle during construction.

“Bumper-to-bumper traffic from Issaquah to Seattle is possible all day long during this project unless enough drivers change their habits,” Dobbins said. “Drivers will wait in line just to get to the on-ramp.”

WSDOT recently added new tools to its Web site to help drivers plan their commutes and help avoid severe congestion on Puget Sound freeways in July.

New traffic cameras
WSDOT traffic engineers have added five more cameras to the traffic flow map along I-90 so drivers can check the backups before they leave home. The cameras are located at Front Street, 161st Avenue SE, East Mercer Way, Shorewood Drive and Island Crest Way.

Travel time graphs
Commuters can print out a handy graph for their glove box, showing the best and worst times to travel I-90 during this construction work. WSDOT traffic engineers expect the worst westbound I-90 congestion between 6 – 11 a.m. and 3 – 7 p.m. on weekdays, and 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on weekends.

Mercer Island detour map
Only two westbound I-90 on-ramps will be available for Mercer Island drivers in July – 77th Avenue SE and Island Crest Way. WSDOT worked closely with Mercer Island city officials to plan detour routes to keep traffic moving as much as possible. Drivers on the island can expect half-mile backups and 15-minute delays getting onto the freeway if enough Mercer Island drivers change their commute time or method.

Commute options to beat the backups
To help avoid gridlock, WSDOT’s Web site has several recommended commute options, including traveling early, working from home, vanpooling, carpooling, taking transit, bicycle commuting or taking alternate routes. New vanpools can get three free months and carpoolers can receive a $20 gift card. The deadline to sign up for vanpools is Wednesday, June 17.

Employer toolkit
Businesses can download several items to warn their employees about this major roadwork, including a poster, flier, photos, videos and pre-written newsletter stories.

Bicycle commuting
WSDOT soon will build two temporary bridges to keep the bike and pedestrian path open during construction. WSDOT’s Web site has resources for new bicycle commuters such as bike route maps.

Twitter
During construction WSDOT will send real-time traffic conditions via Twitter. Passengers in carpools or vanpools can then help the driver choose the best route. Solo drivers also can receive the information, just not when they're driving. Remember, it is illegal in Washington state to use a handheld cell phone while driving.

The real-time traffic conditions also will be sent to news media so drivers can receive this information on their car radio.

WSDOT is replacing cracked expansion joints on westbound I-90 and the express lanes across the floating bridge. Engineers are concerned the joints could pose a safety concern if not replaced. WSDOT replaced the joints in the express lanes from May 4-16. The work on westbound I-90 begins July 5 for up to three weeks. For more information, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/HomerHadleyBridgeRepair/.

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