Hey all! Ally Barrera here filling in for Andrea while she's back home in Wisconsin for a well-deserved vacation. Between summer roadwork and the 4th of July holiday finally being here (yay!), we got a lot to cover. So let's get to it!
What to expect on the roads the weekend before the 4th of July
Even though the 4th of July is on a Tuesday this year, a lot of people across the state will be hitting the roads this weekend for some extended holiday fun. That being said, there are roadwork and special events happening around the region we want travelers to be aware of before they set out.
Expect delays on I-90 Snoqualmie Pass this weekend
First thing's first, if you're heading over to eastern WA this weekend, it's vital that you plan extra time to reach your destination.
Both directions of I-90 have lane reductions in place for several projects that are happening between North Bend and Ellensburg. You should plan ahead for heavy eastbound traffic and delays beginning early Friday morning as drivers head out for the long weekend. If you're headed back Sunday you should also expect to see major delays on westbound I-90 most of the day into the late evening.
Crews will not work on I-90 over the weekend. However, the lanes remain closed due to sections of pavement that have been removed as part of the ongoing construction projects.
Last weekend, we saw up to 2 hour delays heading westbound Sunday afternoon, so make sure you have snacks and water packed in your car in case you get stuck in the backup.
Northbound I-5 reduced to one lane through downtown Seattle, June 29-30
Beginning at 11 p.m. June 29th crews will close lanes and ramps on northbound I-5 in downtown Seattle to test the fire suppression system and perform routine maintenance under the Washington State Convention Center.
Closure details
Overnight Thursday, June 29
- Northbound I-5 traffic will be reduced to one lane near James Street beginning at 11pm11 p.m.
- The University Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 will be closed at 11pm.
- All lanes and ramps will reopen by 5 am Friday morning.
Overnight Friday, June 30
- Northbound I-5 traffic will be reduced to one lane between James Street and Mercer Street beginning at 11pmm.
- The Cherry Street on-ramp to northbound I-5 will be closed at 11pmm.
- All lanes and ramps will reopen by 5 a.m. Saturday morning.
Next weekend, crews will perform the same work, except they will fully close southbound I-5 between Stewart Street and I-90 from 11.15pm, to 5 am Saturday morning, July 8. The Mercer Street and Yale Street on-ramps to southbound I-5 will also be closed overnight. During the closure, traffic will be detoured onto the city streets.
Overnight re-striping work on State Route 522/Bothell Way
If you live in the Lake Forest Park area, or prefer the scenic Lake Washington route of SR 522 over I-5, be aware you may run into some slowdowns tonight June 29 and tomorrow morning.
WSDOT maintenance crews will be restriping the intersection of SR 522/Bothell Way and State Route 104/Ballinger Way. You know, right by the Town Center and City Hall. This restriping will keep cars turning left from SR 104 to eastbound SR 522 from encroaching into the left turn lane from westbound 522 to the Lake Forest Park Civic Center.
Summer ferry schedule underway!
Heads up for those who use the Edmonds and Mukilteo ferry terminals. As of last Sunday, the summer ferry schedule is in full swing!
For folks who ferry in Snohomish County, keep an eye on the afternoon sailing times, as some of them have changed. Also, we've added a late-night sailing Thursday through Sunday from Mukilteo to Clinton.
SR 520 Bridge toll rates go up on Saturday
Reminder: Toll rates on the SR 520 Bridge will increase on Saturday, July 1. Tolls will go up by 10 - 20 cents throughout the day. Overnight trips ( 11pm - 5am.) will now cost $1.25 for those with a Good To Go! pass.
The additional $2 per crossing Pay By Mail charge for drivers who do not have a Good To Go! account has not changed. The Washington State Transportation Commission approved these changes last year after a public comment period and public meetings. See the new toll rates on the WSDOT website.
Holiday toll rates for Fourth of July
The SR 520 Bridge will be on its new weekend toll rates on Tuesday, July 4, and the I-405 express toll lanes will be free for everyone on that day (no pass or carpool needed). Have a safe and fun Independence Day!
SR 542 Artist Point opens
Our maintenance crews battled 70-foot snowdrifts, rain, snow, wind and fog every day to clear more than 2.5 miles of SR 542 at Artist Point. At 5pm Thursday, June 29, the gates will open! The team out there completed quite the feat. We posted a video of their hard work to clear the road.
We hope you have a fun and safe weekend, and 4th of July holiday! Catch you next week. Remember to check our special events calendar for our scheduled of roadwork and events.
