Date:  Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Contact: Patrick Conrad, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4788 (Seattle)
Quick info link: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009/today

SEATTLE – Whether it was the predicted stormy commute or earlier departure times by eastside drivers, the Issaquah-Bellevue-Seattle commute started a little earlier, ended a little earlier and was not as difficult as Monday.

This is the second morning commute of the 19-day I-90 express lane closures. WSDOT contractor crews have closed the express lanes to replace cracking expansion joints. The $8.3 million project supports 80 jobs.

Morning traffic
The westbound morning traffic volumes started picking up at 6:50 a.m. with the peak commute from 7:10 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. Yesterday’s peak commute was 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. During the peak travel time, it took an Issaquah driver about 45 minutes to get to Seattle. Typical travel times are about 25 minutes.

“We need more drivers to leave before 7 a.m.,” said Brian Dobbins, WSODT Traffic Engineer.

Evening traffic
www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle/
The evening commute could be dicey if drivers aren’t prepared. The Mariner’s home game ends between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Drivers may experience more congestion as they make their way out of SODO and to eastbound I-90

Progress on the job
Contractor crews began chipping away at the concrete and cutting up the steel expansion joints Monday afternoon. The noise and debris shields designed to contain sounds and concrete pieces did double duty last night protecting the workers from gusty winds and stormy waters. They were able to work through the night.

We will replace the expansion joints in the express lanes in May and the westbound mainline joints in July.

What should drivers do?

• Plan for 15- to 30-minute delays on I-90.
• Check the Web for the latest information at www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009/today.
• Check the Seattle traffic map to pinpoint and avoid congestion www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle
• Use the overhead freeway signs and the 511 driver information line to get up-to-the minute information on the road.
• Call our I-90 information hotline at 206.440.4444. The hotline is staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Leave a message and your call will be returned.

For more detailed closure information on these projects and other work this weekend, drivers should bookmark www.wsdot.wa.gov/construction/2009 and check the “What’s happening right now” link.

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