Project overview
In September 2022, contractor crews working for WSDOT replaced the original expansion joint on the east end of the westbound I-90 Homer Hadley bridge that connects Mercer Island to Seattle.
What to expect
Work on this project is complete.
Westbound I-90 had closures during two weekends in September to replace an expansion joint on the west side of Mercer Island.
Expansion joints typically have a lifespan of 30 years. This one was installed in 1989 when the westbound Homer Hadley Bridge was built. Expansion joints allow the bridge to flex with changing temperatures and lake water levels. If it is not replaced, the bridge will not flex properly. This will cause undue stress on the structure and reduce the overall lifespan of the bridge. A failed expansion joint can also lead to increased emergency repairs or even failures on other parts of the bridge.
During these closures, the new expansion joint was installed in two separate pieces, the northern half one weekend, the southern half during the second weekend.