Project Title & Location
I-90 Two-Way Transit and HOV Operations

Project Description
The purpose of this project is to provide reliable and safe two-way transit and HOV operations on I-90 between Bellevue and Seattle, while minimizing impacts to the environment and to other users. The preferred alternative, R-8A, adds a transit and HOV lane in each direction to the outer roadways and maintains the reversible operation of the center roadway.

Contractor/Consultant
HNTB is preparing the design

Recent Progress
The environmental process for the project has been completed.  The project has been separated into 4 stages of PS&E and construction.  Design on Stage 1 (Westbound HOV from Bellevue Way to 80th Ave SE on Mercer Island) has begun.  The project was recently granted 30 million of Partnership funds.  Determination of next stage and funding usage are being considered.

Design Construction Impacts

With the Preferred Alternative R-8A the majority of the construction will take place within the existing I-90 right-of-way.  The roadway will be widened where possible to accommodate the added HOV lane.  This work will affect outer roadways, the center roadway, the median areas between these roadways, and landscaped areas between the roadways and retaining walls.  Modifications will be made to the existing concrete barrier that separates the shared-use pathway from the westbound outer roadway.  Construction noise impacts would be temporary, mitigation measures to reduce construction noise will be included in the project.  Additional funding is required for PE and construction of subsequent stages.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

The Preferred Alternative, R-8A, may result in the prohibition of transport of hazardous materials in the I-90 tunnels.  A final policy/operational decision will be made with consultation for WSDOT executives, FHWA and project stakeholders.  

Impacts to Traffic
For Stage 1, no significant impacts expected until late 2006.  Long and short-term temporary lane and shoulder closures will occur throughout construction of the project.  There are no extensive night or evening closures expected.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account