WSDOT News

WSDOT will begin to address these travel demands on a five mile stretch of I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass from Hyak to Keechelus Dam. Preliminary drilling work, which began in July and will continue through October, will allow WSDOT to continue the design of the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East – Hyak to Keechelus Dam project, which will improve congestion and safety for the traveling public. As part of this project, WSDOT will provide a safer, more efficient six-lane freeway from Hyak to Keechelus Dam. WSDOT will straighten roadway curves, replace old pavement, reduce rock fall and avalanche hazards, and construct wildlife crossings over and under I-90 to facilitate the movement of wildlife, as well as enhancing wetlands and riparian habitats throughout the corridor.

Crews are collecting information about the stability of the steep rock slopes high above I-90 near Keechelus Lake. WSDOT will use this information to complete the design for the $525 million highway improvement project scheduled to go to construction in 2010.

Designing a roadway between steep alpine mountain slopes and a lake is a complicated process, one that demands an extensive amount of time and planning. As part of the work this summer, WSDOT has:

• Drilled into the rock slopes above I-90 to retrieve rock core samples,
• Collected rock core samples to determine slope stability, rock strength, and
• Investigated fissures (deep cracks) on Slide Curve.

Continuing the work this fall, crews will:

· Complete exploratory drilling,

· Excavate deep cracks in a slide area above I-90,

· Install and test wildlife fencing, and

· Utilize specialized equipment to test ground water levels.

“Steep slopes and a race against Mother Nature are just a few factors our crews will face this fall as we work to complete critical field work needed (before it snows) to continue the design of the I-90 project,” said Brian White, I-90 Project Director.

WSDOT would like to say thanks for the public’s continued patience during this exploratory work and for altering their travel times this past Labor Day weekend. Drivers headed over the pass through October should continue to expect 15-20 minute delays, Mondays through Fridays and an occasional Saturday, from 6 a.m. until noon. WSDOT crews will conduct intermittent rolling slow downs between mileposts 55 and 60, just east of Snoqualmie Pass along Keechelus Lake. Due to the rugged terrain, crews are using helicopters to move drill rigs and equipment along the mountain slopes. These traffic control measures, as required by the Federal Aviation Administration, will create an emergency zone for the helicopter to land and allow a clear section of roadway to reduce the visual distraction of low flying helicopters.

Please visit our Web site, www.wsdot.wa.gov, for more information on the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East – Hyak to Keechelus Dam Project or mountain pass travel information.

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