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I-90 - Two-Way Transit and HOV Operations

Stage 1 is under construction. Stage 2 is in design. Stage 3 is currently unfunded.
project map - I-90 from Rainier Avenue in Seattle across Lake Washington and Mercer Island to Bellevue Way in Bellevue

Project Photos

Status

February 2012

  • The existing I-90 access ramp to the Express Lanes at 80th Avenue Southeast on Mercer Island will be closed at times, until Stage 2 of the project is complete in late February.
  • For the latest information about construction-related lane closures for this and other projects on I-90 in King County, visit our construction traffic update page.
  • Stage 3 of the project currently is in design.

Overview

WSDOT and Sound Transit are adding high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to the outer roadways (existing general purpose lanes) in both directions of I-90 between Seattle and Bellevue. This collaboration is making vital improvements for traffic flow on I-90 while preparing the center roadway for Sound Transit's East Link light rail line from Seattle to Mercer Island, Bellevue and Redmond.

Why is WSDOT working with Sound Transit on I-90?

WSDOT is collaborating with Sound Transit to make the best use of tax-payer transportation dollars, moving more people, more efficiently through one of the state's busiest rush-hour commutes.

I-90 includes a two-lane, reversible center roadway between Seattle and Bellevue for buses, carpools and vanpools. In the morning, traffic in the center roadway is westbound; in the evening it's eastbound. Buses and high-occupancy vehicles (HOV) traveling opposite the center roadway direction must use the outer roadway. Without HOV lanes in the outer roadway for buses and HOVs, rush hour delays are routine, undermining the purpose of ride sharing.

WSDOT and Sound Transit are adding an HOV lane in both directions of the outer roadway and new direct-access ramps for transit and HOVs on Mercer Island and in Bellevue.

Stage 1 complete


    Westbound I-90 Bellevue-Mercer Island
  • Added a westbound I-90 HOV lane to the outer roadway, Bellevue Way SE to 80th Ave. SE
  • Built westbound I-90 HOV direct access exit ramp at 80th Ave. SE on Mercer Island
  • Modified pre-existing ramps at Bellevue Way SE for two-way HOV operation
  • Completed construction 2008

Stage 2


    Eastbound I-90 Mercer Island-Bellevue
  • Began construction spring 2010
  • Add HOV lane to outer roadway from 80th Ave. SE to Bellevue Way
  • Modify existing reversible HOV direct access ramp at 80th Ave. SE to an HOV on-ramp to the new HOV lane in the outer roadway of eastbound I-90
  • Preserve I-90 pavement in both directions between West Mercer Way and Bellevue Way
  • Complete construction in early 2012

Stage 3


    I-90 both directions Seattle-Mercer Island
  • Add an HOV lane in each direction of the outer roadway between Mercer Island  and Rainier Ave. S in Seattle
  • Preserve pavement in both directions, Rainier Avenue to West Mercer Way
  • Build an eastbound HOV direct-access exit ramp at 77th Avenue SE on Mercer Island
  • Complete construction 2015

The End Result

    The project will improve on-time reliability and access for transit and HOVs on I-90. With new direct-access ramps, carpools, vanpools and buses will access the freeway directly to or from HOV lanes without merging through lanes of traffic. Traffic on the outer roadway will be smoother and safer for everyone.

    The project also prepares the center roadway for Sound Transit's East Link light rail expansion from Seattle to Redmond, offering commuters more efficient and reliable transportation choices.

Project Benefits

  • Safety: Reduces weaving and merging on I-90
  • Congestion Relief: Removes buses, carpools and vanpools from general-purpose lanes, resulting in improved transit schedule reliability and shorter commute times for all drivers
  • Environment: Adds to existing drainage and storm water treatment systems to clean roadway runoff

What is the project timeline?

  • March 2007-October 2008 – Stage 1 construction
  • January-May 2010 - ARRA funded pavement preservation construction
  • Spring 2010-early 2012 - Stage 2 construction
  • Late 2012 - Stage 3 design complete
  • Early 2013-2015 - Stage 3 construction

Financial Information

Financial Data for PIN 109040T
Funding Source Amount ($ in thousands)
2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) $15,043
2005 Gas Tax (TPA) $78
Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) $10,848
Total $25,969

The following fund sources help fund the project:

How can I get more information?
Contact:

Mark Sawyer
WSDOT Construction Project Engineer
425.649.4429
SawyerM@wsdot.wa.gov

Noel Brady
WSDOT Communications
206.464.1183
BradyN@wsdot.wa.gov   

Katie Kuciemba 
Sound Transit Community Outreach
206.398.5459
Katie.Kuciemba@soundtransit.org

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