If you were caught in I-5 traffic - here's why

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

You do not normally have to plan for jet planes in your freeway driving, but The Blue Angels are in town for the hydro races and the I-90 bridge is closed during their practice hours.

At 11am on Thursday morning, traffic was parked on the I-5 freeway from Seattle to Northgate and from Seattle just as far south.  On Friday afternoon, Seattle traffic was backed up to 145th.

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Here's what WSDOT has to say about their schedule:

Which roads and ramps will be closed?

Interstate 90 will be closed to all vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, eastbound and westbound, mainline and express lanes, between Interstate 5 in Seattle to Island Crest Way on Mercer Island:

Saturday, Aug. 6:  12:45 p.m. - 2:40 p.m., (Full show)

Sunday, Aug. 7:  12:45 p.m. - 2:40 p.m., (Full show)

The bridge highrises will still be accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. However, no one on foot or bike can travel beyond the highrises up to 30 minutes prior to posted closure times.

I-90 east of Mercer Island will NOT be closed during the performance, although drivers should note that heavy congestion during these closures often restricts access to the exits.

The I-90 express lanes will close at 9 a.m. on Thursday and at 10:45 a.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The lanes will reopen to eastbound traffic by 3:30 p.m. each day.