Date:  Monday, July 28, 2008

Contact: Patrick Conrad, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4473
Dan Wartelle, Seafair, (206) 728-0123

Information on the 2009 Blue Angels Seafair show. 

SEATTLE – Drivers should plan ahead for this week’s annual closures of I-90 across Lake Washington for the U.S. Blue Angels’ Seafair air shows. WSDOT will close all lanes of I-90 between I-5 and Island Crest Way several times between Thursday, July 31 and Sunday, Aug. 3.

General  and express lane closures:

• Thursday, July 31: Crews will close the bridge from 9:45 a.m. to noon and again from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. during the Blue Angels’ practice sessions. The center roadway will be closed from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Friday, Aug. 1: Crews will close the bridge from 12:45 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. during the Blue Angels’ practice sessions. The center roadway will be closed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 2 and Sunday, Aug. 3: Crews will close the bridge from 12:45 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. for the full shows. The center roadway will be closed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The bridge will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists up to 30 minutes prior to posted closure times

Ramp closures:
Please note: Crews will close the following ramps whenever the general purpose lanes and express lanes are closed.

• Northbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 ramp
• Southbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 ramp
• Southbound and northbound Rainier Avenue ramps
• 76th Avenue to westbound I-90 (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)
• Island Crest Way to westbound I-90
• Eastbound I-90 to West Mercer Way (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show)
• East Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show)
• West Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (up to one hour prior to show or practice)

The exits from westbound I-90 to Island Crest Way and East Mercer Way on Mercer Island will remain open, although drivers should note that heavy congestion during these closures restricts access to the exits.

Drivers wishing to cross Lake Washington using I-90 should drive across the lake at least an hour before the announced closure times. The Seattle Mariners play at 1:10 p.m. on Sunday, so drivers must plan ahead to get to the game on time.

The SR 520 bridge will remain open to vehicle traffic during the I-90 closures. The Coast Guard gave WSDOT permission to restrict openings for marine traffic while I-90 is closed.

No stopping or parking is allowed on the floating bridge. By closing I-90, WSDOT is complying with Federal Aviation Administration rules to create a safer environment for motorists and Blue Angels pilots by reducing distractions to both. For more information, please visit the Web site at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Northwest/King/Seafair

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