As of Monday, May 4, the I-90 express lanes between Mercer Island and Seattle will be closed while the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) begins the first phase of the Homer Hadley Bridge expansion joint repair project.

Between May 4 and May 23, the I-90 express lanes will be closed 24 hours a day to remove and replace the bridge’s massive steel expansion joints. Drivers should expect delays of up to 45 minutes westbound in the morning and eastbound in the evening.

Those who live or work on Mercer Island are encouraged to carpool, take the bus, bike to work if possible or schedule vacation during the three-week project. Bike and pedestrian access across the bridge will be open at all times.

The second phase of construction is from July 5-28. During these three weeks, the I-90 westbound mainline will be closed at all times. All westbound traffic will use the center roadway.

An average of 57,400 vehicles use the westbound I-90 mainline each weekday, according to WSDOT data. Approximately 3,500 vehicles use the westbound express lanes in the morning, and 6,200 vehicles use the eastbound express lanes in the afternoon and evening.

For more information on I-90 bridge closures, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov or call WSDOT engineer Hien Trinh, (425) 956-2100.