I-90 Vantage Bridge deck replacement resumes for third season

VANTAGE — Work to replace the deck of the Interstate 90 Vantage Bridge has resumed for a third construction season, with traffic reduced to a single lane in each direction around the clock.

The Washington State Department of Transportation said drivers should expect long delays while the construction zone is in place. The restriction applies seven days a week and includes reduced speeds and a 9-foot width limit.

The bridge will temporarily reopen to four lanes during three summer holiday periods: Memorial Day weekend from May 22 through May 26, the Fourth of July weekend from July 3 through July 6 and Labor Day weekend from Sept. 4 through Sept. 8.

Construction pauses each winter and is expected to continue through 2028.

Transportation officials said delays are expected to increase as traffic volumes rise during warmer months and during events at the Gorge Amphitheatre near Vantage.

Historically, the longest delays occur for eastbound traffic on Fridays and westbound traffic on Sundays.

Drivers are encouraged to consider alternate routes to avoid congestion. Options include routes north near Wenatchee or south near the Tri-Cities. Officials said Vantage Highway is not recommended as a detour because of limited road capacity.

Additional information about the project and detour routes is available through the Washington State Department of Transportation.