Project overview
This project will rehabilitate approximately two and a half miles of the existing pavement on I-90 westbound in order to preserve the roadway surface. Bridges will have HMA (Hot Mix Asphalt) removed, expansion joints replaced, bridge decks repaired, new waterproof membranes installed, and new HMA pavements installed.
What to expect
During construction, crews will grind the road surface and inlay new HMA. Crews will also resurface five bridge decks along the highway. Throughout the project, there will be multi-lane restrictions at times, with detours for work impacting the ramps. Travelers can expect a reduced speed limit of 45 MPH through the work zone, night and weekend multi-lane reductions, and ramp closures.
This project will rehabilitate roughly 2.5 miles of westbound Interstate 90 from East Sunset Way to State Route 900.
Westbound I-90 from East Sunset Way to SR 900 was last paved in 2005, and the three bridges on this section of the highway were built over 50 years ago. Traffic volumes have doubled in this area since 1990. Roughly 45,000 drivers now travel westbound I-90 through Issaquah every day. Safety improvements must be made to keep the highway in good repair as the number of travelers using I-90 increases.
New pavement: The asphalt on this stretch of I-90 has outlived its anticipated 15-year lifespan. Most of the pavement hasn’t been updated since 2005. Through the years, cracks, ruts, and potholes have developed. These make the roadway uneven, allowing water to pool and reducing tire traction. This causes drivers to slow down to handle the slick conditions, which increases travel times. Removing the old, worn-out asphalt and replacing it with new pavement will provide safer driving conditions and extend the life of the highway.
Bridge expansion joints: The westbound bridges over Issaquah Creek, 4th Avenue Northwest, and Front Street North were built in 1971. These bridges will have their decks removed and repaired, expansion joints repaired, and new waterproof membranes installed. The bridges will be open during repairs, but travelers should prepare for lane restrictions that may last through the weekend.
Repaving bridges: In addition to expansion joints, crews will repave the five westbound bridges over Tibbets Creek, Issaquah Creek, 4th Ave. Northwest (two bridges), and Front Street North. Repaving and repairing our existing highways and bridges reduces the need for emergency repairs which can be costly to taxpayers and cause additional congestion if the work must be done during peak commute hours. Depending on the extent of deck repairs, lane reductions could be extended through the weekend.