WSDOT Projects

 

The I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East - Hyak to Keechelus Dam project extends 5 miles from milepost 55.1 to 59.9.  





Take a virtual tour tour of the Hyak to Keechelus Dam portion of the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East project.


Browse outreach photos and more in the project gallery.

Project Facts

• The U.S. Forest Service has identified more than 49 species of amphibians, mammals, and birds in the project area.
  
• In the past 12 years, avalanches in the project area closed I-90 an average of 29 times each season.
• The project area is part of the 100 mile long Mountains to Sound Greenway, and has been designated as a National Scenic Byway.

Overview
WSDOT will improve approximately five miles of I-90 between Hyak and Keechelus Dam. Improvements include adding an additional lane in each direction between milepost 55.1 and 59.9, extending chain on and off areas, expanding the snowshed, building new bridges over Rocky Run, Gold Creek, and Resort Creek, and adding oversized culverts at Wolfe, Resort and Townsend Creeks. WSDOT will also improve safety along I-90 by reducing sharp curves, repairing deteriorated pavement, stabilizing unstable slopes, installing avalanche fences, and connecting wildlife habitats over and under the highway.

Why is WSDOT improving I-90 from Hyak to Keechelus Dam?
The Hyak to Keechelus Dam project is the first step toward improving safety, reducing congestion, and preserving the natural environment along the I-90 corridor.

The End Result
WSDOT will increase capacity by 50% in each direction, improve safety by stabilizing slopes and straightening sharp curves. Reducing the amount of closures due to avalanches will increase the reliability of Snoqualmie Pass when the project opens to traffic in 2015.

Project Benefits
 

• Safety. Correction measures will reduce the risk of avalanche and associated road closures within the project area as well as reduce the risk of rock and debris slides from unstable slopes onto the roadway.
• Congestion. WSDOT will increase capacity by 50% in each direction to accommodate projected traffic volumes for the next 20 years.
• Environment. WSDOT will minimize impacts to the environment, improve ecological connectivity, and increase the size and number of culverts from the creeks to Keechelus Lake.

What is the project timeline?

• The draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East – Hyak to Easton was published on June 2005.
• The final environmental impact statement (FEIS) is expected to publish in the Summer of 2008.
• Construction expected to begin in the spring of 2010.

Public Involvement
WSDOT hosted a series of public hearings to present the DEIS and collect public comments. The public comment period ended August 12, 2005.

If you have questions regarding the DEIS, please contact: 
Jason Smith 
Environmental Manager
I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East project
1710 South 24th Ave. Ste. 100
Yakima, WA 98902
Phone: 1.509.577.1921
E-mail: I90Snoq@wsdot.wa.gov

Project information is mailed to interested parties announcing project updates and upcoming events. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please fill out the information and newsletter request form. If you would like to receive project updates via email Listserv, please send a blank e-mail to this link. 

You may also contact the project design office via email, or toll free at 1-888-535-0738 for details or if you have additional questions. WSDOT welcomes, and encourages, your involvement in this project.

Environmental Protection
WSDOT is working with the US Forest Service, the US Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, and other groups to develop the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the corridor. As a part of this EIS development, we are evaluating several alignment alternatives, and considering benefits and impacts to environmental, social and economic resources.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.

Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Safety is a high priority for the I-90 Hyak to Keechelus Dam project. The project will improve several safety concerns. Replacing the existing east snowshed with a new longer and wider shed will reduce the risk of avalanches. Where possible, widened shoulders and medians will provide more clear zone for errant vehicles. Curves will be straightened to increase sight distance. Several slopes will be stabilized, minimizing the hazard of rockfall. Wildlife crossing structures reduce vehicle-animal collisions along the corridor and reconnect critical habitats in this corridor.  

Will this project impact tribal resources?
WSDOT seeks to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan. WSDOT is working closely with tribal officials to identify and minimize adverse impacts to areas of cultural, archeological or anthropological significance. WSDOT is consulting with the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Snoqualmie Tribe, the Wanapum and Muckleshoot Tribes.

Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:

• 2005 Transportation Partnership Package - $545 million*
• Total Funding Available from all sources - $545 million

*As approved in the 2008 Supplemental Transportation Budget.

For project schedules and updates, please see the Quarterly Project Report.

How can I get more information?
Contact:
For additional details, to leave comments, ask questions, or if you would like to arrange a presentation for your group or organization, please contact:

Project Director, Brian White
I-90 Project Office
WSDOT South Central Region
1710 S. 24th Avenue, Suite 100
Yakima, WA 98902
Phone: 1.509.577.1874, or
toll-free 1.888.535.0738
E-mail: I90Snoq@wsdot.wa.gov

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