I-90 lanes to close for two weeks beginning next week

Eastside commuters take note: Beginning next week, the primary westbound lanes on the Interstate 90 floating bridge will be closed for two weeks due to a construction project.

While working to fix cracked expansion joints, contractors for the state's Department of Transportation will close the mainline lanes of westbound I-90 across the floating bridge, funneling all Seattle-bound traffic into the freeway's two existing express lanes.

Transportation officials say commuters should expect delays of an hour or more between Issaquah and Seattle during the project.

To help alleviate traffic congestion, contractors have constructed two temporary bridges that will keep bicycle and pedestrian paths open during the freeway construction project.

State officials say the construction project is needed because the joints could pose a safety concern if not replaced. In May, the department replaced similar joints in the express lanes.

Work in the westbound I-90 begins July 5 and is expected to wrap up by July 20.

For more information, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/HomerHadleyBridgeRepair/.

Lewis Kamb: 206-464-2341 or lkamb@seattletimes.com