The annual Seafair festival begins when the pirates land the first week of July and ends with the Patriots Jet Team flying over Lake Washington in a spectacular display of aeronautics. The Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) role is to make sure drivers and pilots are safe during the annual event.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires WSDOT to close Interstate 90 while the Patriots Jet Team perform for the safety of both drivers and pilots.

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:

•    Friday, Aug. 2: 1:15 p.m. – 2:40 p.m., (Practice)

•    Saturday, Aug. 3:  1:15 p.m. – 2:40 p.m., (Full show)

•    Sunday, Aug. 4: 1:15 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.

Which ramps will be closed?

•    Northbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 ramp (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)

•    Southbound I-5 to eastbound I-90 ramp (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)

•    Southbound and northbound Rainier Avenue ramps (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)

•    76th Avenue to westbound I-90 (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)

•    Island Crest Way to westbound I-90 (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)

•    Eastbound I-90 to West Mercer Way (closed up to 30 minutes prior to show or practice)

•    East Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (closed up one hour prior to show or practice)

•    West Mercer Way to westbound I-90 (up to one hour prior to show or practice)