I-90 closures for Blue Angels Aug. 2 to 5

The Washington State Department of Transportation will close the bridge to all traffic during flights of the Blue Angels for both their practice run and scheduled air shows beginning Thursday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 5.

The closures are required by the Federal Aviation Administration and are for the safety of the traveling public.

Those traveling between Seattle and Mercer Island will need to make their way across Lake Washington at least one hour before the closures or use an alternate route, such as I-405, State Route 520 or SR 522. Some I-90 and I-5 ramps will close up to 90 minutes before flight times, and other I-90 ramps will close up to 30 minutes beforehand.

Exactly where and when will I-90 be closed?

I-90 floating bridge closures

  • Thursday, Aug. 2: 9:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.; 1- 2:45 p.m. (practices)
  • Friday, Aug. 3:  12:55 - 2:45 p.m. (Seafair Air Show)
  • Saturday, Aug. 4:  12:55 - 2:45 p.m. (Seafair Air Show)
  • Sunday, Aug.5:  12:55 - 2:45 p.m. (Seafair Air Show)

Which ramps will be closed?

Several I-90 and I-5 ramps will close 30 minutes to one hour before practice and Seafair Air Show times.

Mercer Island ramps to close:

  • West Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (up to 90 minutes prior)
  • East Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (up to 60 minutes prior)
  • Eastbound I-90 to West Mercer Way (up to 30 minutes prior)
  • 76th Avenue to westbound I-90 (up to 30 minutes prior)
  • Island Crest Way to westbound I-90 (up to 30 minutes prior)

Seattle ramps to close up to 30 minutes prior:

  • Northbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 (up to 30 minutes prior)
  • Southbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 (up to 30 minutes prior)
  • Northbound Rainier Avenue South to eastbound I-90  (up to 30 minutes prior)
  • Southbound Rainier Avenue South to eastbound I-90  (up to 30 minutes prior)

Will the State Route 520 floating bridge be affected?

The SR 520 floating bridge will remain open to traffic and tolls will be collected according to the rate schedule. Infrequent users of the SR 520 bridge may want to consider setting up a short-term Good To Go! account for Seafair weekend. Drivers crossing SR 520 should expect heavy traffic, significant delays and plan for additional time to cross the lake.