SEATTLE – Get ready for high flying aerobatics and street level stress. The Blue Angels returned to Seattle this week for their annual Seafair air shows.
As always, that means drivers need to put up with closures of the Interstate 90 floating bridge over Lake Washington while the Navy's precision flight team practices and performs.
The Blue Angels began rehearsing above Lake Washington Thursday in preparation for this weekend's airshow, closing the I-90 floating bridge to traffic. The I-90 floating bridge has to be closed during the practices and performances due to FAA safety regulations, so it's important drivers know when to expect them.
- Saturday, Aug. 7- 12:45 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. (full show)
- Sunday, Aug. 8- 12:45 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. (full show)
The times include all mainline I-90 lanes between I-5 in Seattle and Island Crest Way on Mercer Island and the entire length of the I-90 center roadway. The center roadway closes up to 2 hours before the times indicated.
Drivers are advised to cross Lake Washington at least one hour before the announced closure times. No stopping or parking is allowed on the floating bridges.
The exits from westbound I-90 to Island Crest Way and East Mercer Way on Mercer Island remain open, but heavy congestion during the closures restricts access to the exits.
The following ramps close 30 minutes prior to posted closures depending on congestion:
- East Mercer Way to West I-90
- 76th Ave. SE to West I-90
- West Mercer Way to West I-90
- East I-90 to West Mercer Way
The bridge also closes to all pedestrians and bicyclists up to 30 minutes prior to the posted closure times.
During the I-90 closures, the SR 520 floating bridge is not open to marine traffic, but remains open to vehicle traffic.
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