Expect ripple effect from I-5 overhaul

When the state Department of Transportation embarks on a major overhaul of northbound Interstate 5 between Spokane Street and I-90 next week, I-5 drivers won't be the only ones feeling the heat

Traffic congestion could worsen on I-405, especially between Renton and Bellevue, as commuters who typically travel northbound I-5 seek an alternate route, said Greg Phipps, a WSDOT spokesman.

Some people might also use Highway 18 to get to I-90, he added.

The I-5 project, which involves around-the-clock lane closures between Aug. 10-29, could increase the usual delays on westbound I-90 across Lake Washington by as much as 10 minutes, particularly during the afternoon commute. Since the project also will exacerbate the usual backup caused by Mariners games, it's worth noting that the team plays at home Aug. 13-15 and Aug. 27-29.

So what's a commuter to do?

To help keep things rolling as much as possible, WSDOT will not close any lanes during the day on I-405 in Renton or Bellevue during the I-5 project work.

For the commuter headed to the Eastside via the I-90 bridge, the I-5 project might have a welcome effect. The congestion expected on I-405 and I-5 could "act as one giant ramp meter," Phipps said, tempering the flow of traffic on eastbound I-90.

Talk to WSDOT

Over the next few weeks, planners from the state Department of Transportation will visit Eastside communities to hear from residents about bottlenecks and choke points along I-90. WSDOT and local agencies will use the feedback to identify projects that could improve safety and traffic flow.

Planners will be staffing booths at Eastside community events throughout the month:

• On Saturday, they will be at Snoqualmie Railroad Days in downtown Snoqualmie.

• On Aug. 11, they will be at the Festival at Mount Si at Si View Community Center and Park, 400 S.E. Orchard Drive, North Bend.

• On Aug. 23, they will be at the Bellevue Farmers Market in the First Presbyterian Church parking lot, 1717 Bellevue Way.

More information about the project is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov.

Early Warning

Highway 520: Each weekday next week, between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. the following day, crews will close up to two lanes of westbound Highway 520 between 76th Avenue Northeast and Bellevue Way Northeast to mark the pavement.

The closure is part of a project to test patches of "quieter" pavement.

Bellevue: Next week, crews will close some lanes and ramps on northbound I-405 between 112th Avenue Southeast and Coal Creek Parkway overnight for work on a road-widening project.

From 11:30 Wednesday and Thursday nights to 5 a.m. the next mornings, crews will close the ramp from both directions of I-90 to northbound I-405. A detour will be in place.

Redmond: From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily beginning Thursday, traffic on Redmond Way will be down to one lane in each direction between 132nd Avenue Northeast and 140th Avenue Northeast as work on sidewalk and transit improvements continues. This traffic revision is expected to be in place through the end of the month.

Amy Roe: 206-464-3347 or aroe@seattletimes.com