Closures planned for I-90 Medical Lake interchange

MEDICAL LAKE – The state Department of Transportation is cautioning motorists traveling Interstate 90 near the State Route 902/Medical Lake interchange to expect closures that could impact their travel time.

Crews working for DOT are resuming work on the SR 902 bridge deck that spans I-90 as part of interchange upgrades and modifications. Motorists using the westbound lanes of I-90 should expect nightly closures between 9 p.m. -- 5 a.m. beginning June 15 and running through June 19.

During the nightly closures, drivers at times will be detoured off Interstate 90 using the off-ramps at the SR 902/Medical Lake interchange, routed through the intersection with SR 902 and back onto I-90 using the on-ramps.

Reduced speed limits between mileposts MP 272.30 and 273.35 within the limits of the construction work zone have also resumed. The reduced speed limit is enforceable with fines doubling within the work zone.

The speed reduction will continue through project completion.

The new bridge deck will allow two lanes of traffic in each direction over I-90 along with the construction of a shared use path for those who bike or walk. The project includes construction of three new roundabouts, one each at the east and west on and off ramps and a third at SR 902 and Geiger Boulevard. The westbound ramp and SR 902/Geiger roundabouts have been built.

Additionally, the westbound off-ramp will be extended to increase safety while a bus-only lane onto the eastbound off-ramp will be constructed to services the Spokane Transit Authority West Plains transfer facility. The eastbound on-ramp will be widened to accommodate an additional lane for future ramp metering.

For people using bicycles or those walking and rolling (assistive devices, wheelchairs), a shared use path will be constructed to connect to the STA facility. The shared use path will also connect into Spokane County's path that will be constructed along Geiger Boulevard to the north of I-90.

The $15.85 million project is scheduled for completion this fall.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.