Transit customers traveling from Bellevue to Seattle are being advise to expect significant delays on I-90 because of work to replace expansion joints. The project began Friday, July 18 and will continue through Friday, July 25.

The work will result in the closing of all but one westbound lane just west of I-405. The closure is 24 hours a day for the entire week.

There are 13 bus routes that will be directly affected: Metro routes 111, 114, 210, 211, 212, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218 and 219, and Sound Transit routes 550 and 554. These buses will not be rerouted, and no bus stops will be affected or missed. Transit riders should expect delays on bus routes that travel through the construction area and along adjacent corridors.

Related delays for all traffic are also expected on I-405 and SR-520 during this time, as private and commercial drivers try to find alternate routes around the construction area.

Transit riders – and anyone else who can – are advised to start planning ahead to decide if they might instead ride a bus, carpool or vanpool, ride a bike, travel earlier or later, use a different route, telecommute, take vacation time, or otherwise find ways to avoid the construction area, especially during the busiest travel times from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Travelers who use westbound I-90 should consider:

• Choosing an alternative travel mode such as car or vanpooling, public transportation, walking or cycling.
• Setting up a short term Good to Go! account to use SR-520.
• Telecommuting.
• Allowing plenty of extra time; expect additional congestion on alternate routes, including I-405, SR-520 and surface streets.
• Using westbound I-90 early in the morning or late at night.
• Delaying or rescheduling discretionary trips.
• When heading into Bellevue from the east, exit early and use surface streets.