MERCER ISLAND, Wash. -- WSDOT says to get ready for big delays. That's because all main lanes of Interstate 90 across the floating bridge will be closed westbound starting on July 5. This will just leave the express lanes open, creating just two lanes to get across the bridge. The KIRO 7 traffic team is here to help you get across the lake as quickly as possible. We will update anything you need to know about this project right here on this page.

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What can you expect?
In May, crews replaced the expansion joints on the express lanes -- which had them closed for several weeks. This created more than one-hour delays to commuters trying to get across the bridge and funnel into the three open lanes. This time around, traffic will funnel onto just two express lanes. WSDOT predicts backups could add more than an hour to your drive from Issaquah to Seattle if people don't change their commuting habits.

What is the best time to cross the bridge?
I visited with WSDOT Engineer Brian Dobbins about the closures. He showed me a flow graph that tracked volumes and times for the westbound I-90 commute. VIDEO: Best, Worst Times To Travel I-90 According to the graph, drivers should get over the bridge with no worries if they leave for their morning commute before 6 a.m. After this time, it gets worse until the morning commute is over.

How long will the closures last?
Crews will be working around the clock and hope to get the construction work completed in a three-week time period (from July 5 to July 28). This would have all lanes open before the Blue Angels closures start in late July.

What are my alternates?
Drivers can expect heavier volumes on SR520 as commuters use that as an alternate. WSDOT also expects I-405 in both directions to get increased traffic as people commute to either end of the lake to get around. SR900 is another route people can use from Issquah.

Here are some links to help you plan ahead:

For information on van pool go to this link.

If you ride your bike or are thinking about turning into a cyclist for this time frame, go to this link.

To get updated information from WSDOT go to this link.