Seattle's annual Seafair festival concludes this weekend and includes performances by the Blue Angels. The Federal Aviation Administration requires the closure of Interstate 90 while the Blue Angels perform for the safety of both drivers and pilots. If you are travelling from Seattle to the Gorge for Phish this weekend, be aware of these bridge closures as it may add time to your drive. Note there are closures Sunday as well so if you are driving back to Seattle after the shows you may be affected as well.

Interstate 90 will be closed 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:

• Thursday, Aug. 4: 9:45 a.m. - noon & 1:15 - 2:30 p.m., (Practice)
• Friday, Aug. 5: 12:45 p.m. - 2:40 p.m., (Practice)
• Saturday, Aug. 6: 12:45 p.m. - 2:40 p.m., (Full show)
• Sunday, Aug. 7: 12:45 p.m. - 2:40 p.m., (Full show)

* 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.

The I-90 express lanes will close at 9 a.m. on Thursday and at 10:45 a.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The lanes will reopen to eastbound traffic by 3:30 p.m. each day.

Which ramps will be closed?

• Northbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 ramp (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)
• Southbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 ramp (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)
• Southbound and northbound Rainier Avenue ramps (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)
• 76th Avenue to westbound I-90 (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)
• Island Crest Way to westbound I-90 (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)
• Eastbound I-90 to West Mercer Way (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)
• East Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (closed up one hour prior to show or practice)
• West Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (up to one hour prior to show or practice)

See full information at the following link:

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/northwest/king/seafair

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