Why is WSDOT
improving safety and reliability on I-90?
Phase 1 is part of a 15-mile corridor improvement project to improve safety and reliability and reduce congestion along I-90 from Hyak to the Easton vicinity.
On an average day, 27,000 vehicles travel over Snoqualmie Pass and it doubles on weekends and holidays. Traffic volumes are expected to increase 2.1 percent every year, reaching an average of over 41,000 vehicles per day by 2030.
Currently, WSDOT is improving the first five miles of the project from Hyak to Keechelus Dam.
The End Result
WSDOT will increase capacity and improve safety by:
- Adding a new lane in each direction
- Replacing deteriorating concrete pavement
- Reducing road closures due to avalanches
- Adding and replacing bridges and culverts
- Straightening sharp curves
- Stabilizing rock slopes
Project Benefits
- Safety. Corrective 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 Relief. WSDOT will increase capacity by 50 percent in each direction to accommodate projected traffic volumes for the next 20 years. Crews will extend chain-up-and-off areas assisting freight vehicles.
- Environment. WSDOT will reduce the risk of collisions between wildlife and vehicles by building wildlife crossings.
What is the project timeline?
- Spring 2009 - construction begins
- Fall 2017 - construction complete
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
The 2005 gas tax invested $551 million in the I-90 corridor. WSDOT is using the $108 million in cost savings from this phases to design and build the next two miles of I-90 from Keechelus Dam to Stampede pass (Phase 2A).
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Will Smith, WSDOT Project Engineer
Phone: 509-577-1840
Toll Free: 1-888-535-0738
Meagan McFadden, WSDOT Communications
Phone: 509-577-1618
Toll Free: 1-888-535-0738
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