Seafair Airshow I-90 Bridge Closures Announced for Aug. 2-4

This post was written by Kendall Watson.

The biggest event of the Seafair summer festival begins this weekend, Aug. 2-4, when Seafair Weekend gets underway. Even though the Blue Angels aerobatic team performance was canceled, a civilian team called Patriots Jet Team will perform in their place.

As a result, the Washington State Department of Transportation will close all lanes of I-90 across Lake Washington in order to accommodate air show practices and performances.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires WSDOT to close Interstate 90 to all vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, eastbound and westbound, mainline and express lanes, between Interstate 5 in Seattle to Island Crest Way on Mercer Island on the following dates:

• Friday, Aug. 2: 1:15 pm - 2:40 pm (Practice)
• Saturday, Aug. 3: 1:15 pm - 2:40 pm (Full show)
• Sunday, Aug. 4: 1:15 pm - 2:40 pm (Full show)

The bridge will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists up to 30 minutes prior to posted closure times, including West Mercer Way from Roanoke Way to the SE 24th. The bridge highrises will still be accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. However, no one on foot or bike can travel beyond the highrises up to 30 minutes prior to posted closure times.

I-90 east of Mercer Island will NOT be closed during the performance, although drivers should note that heavy congestion during these closures often restricts access to the exits.  

For more information, visit WSDOT's website.