Overview
The I-90 Homer Hadley Floating Bridge opened to traffic in 1989, carrying the westbound lanes and center roadway. Since that time the expansion joints continued to crack and deteriorate, requiring constant maintenance. Failing expansion joints can pose a safety risk.
To help protect drivers, WSDOT and General Construction Co. replaced the aged and worn expansion joints on the westbound bridge and center roadway.
 | Improves Safety
The original expansion joints were installed before fatigue testing was a standard requirement. Since that time, the expansion joints cracked and deteriorated. Cracked expansion joints required constant maintenance and welding, which caused the metal in the joints to weaken and potentially fail.
Replacing the joints protects drivers because damaged joints have the potential to pop up into traffic.
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Partnerships & Cooperation
This project required careful planning with Metro Transit, Mercer Island and Bellevue officials, and emergency service providers who depend on I-90 daily.
To help buses and vanpools avoid traffic backups, WSDOT restriped transit access to the I-90 express lanes from Bellevue Way SE. Metro rerouted its I-90 corridor buses on this route to save time.
To help prevent traffic backups in Mercer Island’s business district, police officers sent drivers through a detour route designed with help from Mercer Island officials.
To help ambulances and fire engines quickly bypass congestion and construction closures, emergency providers had maps, photos, diagrams and a connection to WSDOT’s 24-hour traffic center. WSDOT planned ahead with fire chiefs for possible emergency scenarios, which eased concerns about limiting cross-lake access to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
WSDOT communications staff worked with King County employer networks to warn commuters about the potential backups and help them plan ahead.
Funding
Existing Funds - $8.5 million
Total Funding from All Sources - $8.5 million
Contact Us
Mike Murphy
WSDOT Communications
PO Box 330310, MS 103
Seattle, WA 98133
206-440-4699
MurphyM@wsdot.wa.gov
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