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Project Facts

• Congestion during commute times spans three hours in the morning and two hours in the evening.
• In the last decade traffic has grown 95 % west of the Sunset Interchange in Issaquah, nearly 40 % near North Bend, and more than 26 % between Bellevue and Issaquah.
• More than 7,000 trucks travel through Issaquah daily.

What is the I-90 corridor study?
The I-90 corridor study is a planning process used to gather information to determine if improvements are needed to meet exisiting and future transportation needs. The process includes gathering input from local officials and the public; collecting and analyzing traffic and other data; reviewing existing local plans and thier affect on transportation; projecting future travel demand; and evaluating improvement options.

Why is WSDOT studying I-90 between Bellevue and North Bend?

WSDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) co-manage the interstate system in Washington State. Any changes to the interstate system, including I-90, require FHWA’s approval.

FHWA approved construction of the I-90 Sunset interchange in Issaquah with the requirement that WSDOT fund and conduct a corridor study that addresses the safety and mobility needs of this fast-growing corridor.

To meet this requirement, the 2005 Washington State legislature funded $2 million for a study of I-90 between Eastgate in Bellevue and 465th Ave. S.E. in North Bend so that we can identify short- and long-term projects for this corridor to address safety and mobility needs.

Our Intergrated Approach
Currently, about $3.5 billion regional, state and federal investments are either under construction or planned on I-90 between Seattle and North Bend including I-90 Two Way Transit and HOV Operation project, Sound Transit’s East Link light rail project, Regional Transportation Investment District (RTID) and preservation projects.

As we develop a list of near and long-term investments for I-90, between Bellevue and North Bend, we will take into consideration the relationship of all the plans and projects (regional, state and federal) for the interstate.

The End Result

When the I-90 corridor study is complete in late summer 2008, WSDOT and communities along the corridor will have a list of safety and mobility improvements that could be implemented over the next 20 years if funding becomes available.

Project Benefits
The corridor study will provide a list of safety, congestion relief, and preservation improvements that support the safe and efficient travel or people and goods on I-90. This list of projects may then be incorporated into the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Transportation Plan (Destination 2030) and the Washington Transportation Plan.

What is the project timeline?

We began this study in November 2006 by collecting travel related data for the interstate and gathering comments from local communities. We are now reviewing this information to develop improvement options for I-90. In spring 2008, we expect complete the corridor plan and make the final list of improvement options available on the WSDOT Website and at community locations. Please continue to provide your comments about this study and I-90. We share your comments with our corridor working group who will help us to develop improvement options for the interstate.

Public Involvement

Planning studies like these help guide future funding decisions, so local participation is key. We encourage public input on the future vision for I-90 and want to know more about the specific concerns of those who use the route. Send us your thoughts using our online comment form. More details about the study are available on the study library page.

Environmental Protection

Interstate 90 crosses an array of waterways, parks and other environmentally sensitive resources. As part of this corridor study, we identified known environmental, cultural and historic resources, such as endangered and threatened species, wetlands, geologic hazards, aquifers, and air and noise issues. Each recommendation will be sensitive to the environmental conditions on I-90.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.

Increasing safety is one of our priorities

The list of recommendations will include improvement options for I-90 that address existing locations on the highway that have a high number of collisions and locations where we can make improvements to make the highway safer for travelers.

Will this project impact tribal resources?

At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.

The I-90 study area includes land of the Snoqualmie and tribal areas of Yakama, Muckleshoot and Tulalip tribes. We will continue to involve these tribes in the planning discussions through the course of this study.

Financial Information

This study is funded through the following funding sources:

• 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $2 million
• Total Funding Available From All Sources - $2 million

How can I get more information?
Contact:

Carol Hunter, Project Manager
E-mail: I90study@wsdot.wa.gov
Phone: 206-464-1219
Mail: WSDOT Urban Planning Office
401 2nd Avenue South, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98104-2887

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