Plan To Improve I-90 Over Snoqualmie Pass Unveiled
Transportation planners say it's possible with a new plan to expand the freeway.
They're eager to do something, 27,000 cars and trucks travel I-90 over the pass every day, and it is a major route for commerce. But it shuts down for an average of 120 hours a year.
Engineers mapped out a solution that they say will keep the road open more of the time. The plan raises the road in the spots most prone to avalanches sending the snow sliding under the freeway.
It widens it to six lanes and replaces pavement that's at the end of its life. And it also includes features to discourage animals from dashing across I-90, instead funneling them to special wildlife crossings.
Charlie Raines who represents both the Sierra Club and group called I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition explains: "By expanding the culvert to a bridge or a higher bridge, larger animals can go under. There are two places where you'll actually see overpasses over the freeway and you might see an elk walking over the freeway. We think the wildlife will use these crossing structures. We'll add some extra fencing and other walls to direct them there. So I think we're going to have for more than 70 species of wildlife a much easier way of getting across."
Those key design features inspired an unusual pairing - engineers and environmentalists - hailing the plan to widen a road.
Raines says it's the first time he knows of in Washington state when environmentalists have so widely and so enthusiastically supported a road project.
The key, he says, is that the situation for wildlife will be better at the end of the expansion than it is now.
The improvements will come in phases. First is a $387.7 million project running a five-mile stretch from Hyak to Keechelus Dam. It will be paid for by the gas tax.
There's no money yet for the next 10 mile stretch to Easton. One idea floating around is a $4 toll.
That is not popular with drivers like Vito Leone.
"I wouldn't like it. And I don't think anybody else would. But if it comes about I guess we'll have to pay for it," he said.
The public can learn more about the plan through an interactive open house. Go in person to the Summit Inn at Snoqualmie Pass on Tuesday, June 20 from 5:30-8 p.m.
You can also participate via a "virtual open house" on the internet.
Those interested will be able to see and hear the presentations, watch the design visualization video, see the displays and pose questions to WSDOT experts.
The public can access the web-based event by visiting the project website at www.wsdot.wa.gov