April 2013
- Stage 3 is in design for a new HOV lane in each direction of I-90's outer roadway between Seattle and Mercer Island. Construction is scheduled to start August 2014 with completion set for September 2016.
- Stage 2 is complete and Mercer Island's 80th Ave. S.E. ramp is functioning as an on-ramp to eastbound I-90's outer roadway for carpools and buses only with direct access to a new HOV lane to Bellevue. See some photos from the March 29 ribbon cutting here and here.
- 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.
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.
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
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
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
- Construction begins August 2014; completion September 2016
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-March 2012 - Stage 2 construction
- Spring 2013 - Stage 3 design complete
- August 2014 - Stage 3 construction starts
- September 2016 - Stage 3 complete
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
| Financial Data for PIN 109040T |
| Funding Source |
Amount ($ in thousands) |
| 2003 Gas Tax (Nickel Funding) |
$15,018 |
| 2005 Gas Tax (TPA) |
$78 |
| Pre-Existing Funds (PEF) |
$10,842 |
| Total |
$25,938 |
|
The following fund sources help fund the project:
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Hien Trinh
WSDOT Construction Project Engineer
206.768.5601
TrinhH@wsdot.wa.gov
Noel Brady
WSDOT Communications
206.464.1183
BradyN@wsdot.wa.gov
Luke Lamon
Sound Transit Community Outreach
206.903.7469
Luke.Lamon@soundtransit.org
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