Seattle, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Eastbound I-90 traffic is severely delayed as construction and an RV fire cause congestion between Seattle and Bellevue. The Washington State Department of Transportation indicates that work is ongoing from September 18 until October 5, with lane reductions and an HOV on-ramp closure contributing to longer travel times. Commuters are advised to expect wait times of up to two hours and consider alternate routes to avoid the disruptions. A restriction on flammable cargo remains in effect for nearby tunnels.
Seattle
Eastbound I-90 traffic is currently facing significant delays and congestion due to ongoing construction activities and a recent accident, impacting commuters traveling between Seattle and Bellevue. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has reported that the construction project is running from September 18 until October 5, which has reduced the highway to three lanes between Mercer Island and the Eastside.
Construction Impacts Traffic Flow
Motorists can expect reduced speed limits during this construction period. This roadwork primarily aims to repair joints on the East Channel Bridge, contributing to heavy traffic backup on Mercer Island. Specific closures include the 80th Street HOV on-ramp and the East Mercer Way on-ramp, which are contributing to longer travel times.
As of 3:00 p.m. on Monday, traffic was reported to be backed up from the Bellevue East Bridge to halfway across the I-90 Floating Bridge. Some commuters have reported travel times extending up to two hours to get from West Seattle to Bellevue, indicative of the current congestion caused by both construction and accidents.
Accident Involves Fire and Closures
Additionally, all eastbound lanes of I-90 in Seattle’s Mount Baker Tunnel were temporarily closed following a crash involving an RV that caught fire on Monday afternoon. This incident created large clouds of smoke and added to the substantial delays on the road. Firefighters successfully controlled the RV fire by 12:50 p.m. The crash caused lane closures near Rainier Avenue South and impacted multiple ramps, with WSDOT crews conducting inspections before resuming traffic flow.
All eastbound lanes were reopened at 7:14 p.m. with no injuries reported from the accident. Nevertheless, a restriction on flammable cargo remains in effect for both directions of the Mount Baker and Mercer Island Lid tunnels.
Future Impact on Traffic
The ongoing I-90 expansion joint replacement project adds further complications for Mercer Island traffic. The East Mercer Way on-ramp to I-90 eastbound is closed for 6 to 8 days, while the HOV on-ramp at 80th Avenue Southeast will be closed for 16 days. In addition, one lane of traffic on I-90 eastbound leading to the East Channel Bridge is also closed. During this construction phase, the Island Crest Way I-90 eastbound on-ramp remains the sole open entrance for motorists.
Further disruptions are anticipated throughout September due to additional lane reductions and closures on I-90 and I-405 that will affect traffic in several areas, increasing the likelihood of commuter frustrations as the construction and repair work proceeds.
Conclusion
Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes where possible. Ongoing updates will be provided by WSDOT as the situation evolves, and motorists should stay informed to navigate around these current delays efficiently.
FAQs
What is causing the traffic delays on I-90?
Traffic delays on I-90 are primarily due to ongoing construction aimed at repairing joints on the East Channel Bridge and a recent crash involving an RV fire.
When will the construction on I-90 be completed?
The current construction is scheduled to last until October 5, 2023, with some specific ramp closures lasting longer.
Are there any alternate routes for commuters?
Drivers may consider using alternate routes, such as local streets or other highways, as the ongoing construction and recent accident have significantly slowed traffic on I-90.
Is there a cargo restriction in place?
Yes, a flammable cargo restriction is currently in effect for both directions of the Mount Baker and Mercer Island Lid tunnels.
Key Features of the Current Traffic Situation on I-90
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | I-90 Eastbound, Seattle to Bellevue |
| Construction Dates | September 18 – October 5, 2023 |
| Affected Lanes | Reduced to three lanes |
| Current Traffic Conditions | Significant delays, travel times up to two hours |
| Incidents | RV fire and accident caused temporary lane closures |
| Restrictions | Flammable cargo prohibition in tunnels |
| Alternative Access Points | Only Island Crest Way I-90 eastbound on-ramp open |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Labor Strike Halts Major Construction Projects in Spokane
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Seattle: Eastbound I-90 Traffic Update
- Seattle Times: I-405 and I-90 Closures
- KIRO 7: WSDOT Reschedules 5-Day Closure
- KOMO News: I-90 Mount Baker Tunnel Incident
- My Northwest: I-90 Mercer Island Chokepoints
- Wikipedia: Interstate 90
- Google Search: Traffic Updates Seattle
- Google Scholar: Traffic Management Seattle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
- Google News: Seattle Traffic News
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
