Station construction continues on Mercer Island and upcoming I-90 ramp closures

Progress continues on the station's two head houses as steel supports have begun reaching for the sky. At the 77th Avenue head house, steel decking has been installed to prepare for concrete slab pours that will become the building's various levels. The 80th Avenue head house will begin to take shape as structural steel will begin to arrive on site.

To safely maneuver the steel around the construction site, crews will close the Island Crest Way HOV on- and off-ramps during off-peak hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, during the following days and times:

Aug. 1 – 3, Eastbound Island Crest Way HOV off-ramp

Drivers can use the West Mercer Way and 77th Avenue eastbound off-ramps during these closures.

Aug. 13 - 31, Eastbound Island Crest Way HOV off-ramp and Westbound Island Crest Way HOV on-ramp

Drivers can use the West Mercer Way and 76th Avenue Southeast westbound on-ramps and the West Mercer Way and 77th Avenue eastbound off-ramps during these closures.

Closures are planned to occur daily but may happen sporadically. Drivers should pay attention to signage and overhead reader boards for more information.

East Link construction begins Aug. 6 at Mercer Island Boat Launch

Beginning as early as Monday, Aug. 6, Sound Transit's contractor will begin mobilizing equipment and fencing at the Mercer Island Boat Launch. Crews will use approximately 14 parking spaces for staging and construction area as work continues to seismically retrofit the East Channel Bridge.

This will include excavating bridge pier footings, installing steel stiffeners to the bridge's box girders and wrapping the piers with fiber reinforced polymer. This work will reduce the structure's seismic vulnerability in a seismic event and prepare the East Channel Bridge for future East Link operation.
 
Approximately 14 spaces will be unavailable and access to remaining parking spaces and the boat launch will be maintained throughout construction. The parking area will be restored to existing conditions once work is complete.

Here's what you can expect:

• Work hours will be Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Work is anticipated to last through November 2018. Crews may return at a later date to complete planting and landscaping.
• Construction vehicles and crew members entering and exiting the work zone during typical work hours. Vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists should follow signed detours and flaggers to safely access your destination.
• Construction fencing, construction trailers, lighting and signage delineating the construction site will be in place.
• Suspended work decks will also be installed below the East Channel Bridge and will be visible from the boat launch area.
• Approximately 14 parking spaces will be unavailable during this time. Remaining parking will be available throughout construction. The boat launch will continue to be accessible.
• Potential intermittent noise and vibration from construction activities may be noticeable.

Plan ahead for Seafair Weekend

To prepare for Seafair Weekend, Sound Transit's contractor will halt work on the I-90 floating bridge during the Blue Angels' rehearsals and weekend performances. Both directions of I-90 will be closed between I-5 in Seattle and Island Crest Way on Mercer Island, during the following days and times:

• Thursday, Aug. 2; 9:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.; 1 – 2:45 p.m. (practices)
• Friday, Aug. 3; 12:55 – 2:45 p.m.
• Saturday Aug. 4; 12:55 – 2:45 p.m.
• Sunday Aug. 5; 12:55 – 2:45 p.m.