Car Fire Blocks Eastbound Interstate 90 On Mercer Island

MERCER ISLAND, WA — State troopers warned drivers to expect delays Wednesday afternoon after a vehicle fire shut down all eastbound lanes heading across Mercer Island. The Washington State Department of Transportation announced an incident was blocking three lanes just after 1 p.m., near the 77th Avenue Southeast exit.

Video shared on social media showed dark smoke pouring from under an overpass as first responders worked to extinguish the flames. A few minutes later, Washington State Patrol said all eastbound lanes were closed, with traffic being diverted onto surface streets. Troopers said travelers should expect lengthy delays and did not have an immediate estimate for reopening.

Transportation officials said drivers planning trips to Mercer Island, Bellevue and Issaquah should utilize alternate routes until further notice. All lanes reopened just after 3 p.m.