Project updates
Learn about where and when construction is happening throughout the ST district.
East Link Extension Judkins Park Station Mercer Island Station

Project update: East Link Extension

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Work on I-90 continues in preparation for East Link light rail

Tonight, Washington State Department of Transportation and Sound Transit construction crews will reduce eastbound I-90 traffic to one lane near Rainier Avenue South. Drivers will be re-routed to the express lanes from 10:30 p.m. tonight to 5 a.m. Friday morning to allow crews to bring materials into the ceiling of the Mercer Island Tunnel (more information below). This work is preparation for weekend construction on February 19 – 22. Click here for more information related to this weekend's closure.

When are the next I-90 weekend closures?

During the weekend closures, traffic will be detoured to the express lanes from 11 p.m. on Friday through 5 a.m. on Monday.

All eastbound lanes (traffic detoured to the express lanes):

  • February 19 – 22
  • March 11 - 14

All westbound lanes (traffic detoured to the express lanes):

  • May 20 – 23
  • June 3 – 5

What is happening inside the tunnels?

Image removed.

This large piece of equipment is called a Saccardo Nozzle. Crews will install these during the next two weekend closures in the Mercer Island Tunnel. The nozzles improve ventilation and are part of the continued effort to upgrade the operations and safety systems in the Mount Baker and Mercer Island tunnels before Sound Transit begins work on the East Link light rail Extension. The nozzles are manufactured in Tacoma at Jesse Engineering. For more construction photos, click here.