Rockslide closes I-90 in both directions

An early morning rock slide near Snoqualmie Pass has closed Interstate 90 in both directions today, and the closure could extend into tomorrow, according to the Washington Department of Transportation.

Westbound lanes were closed near Easton at 4:30 a.m. this morning, shortly after a rock slide from a slope on the northern edge of the freeway sent debris tumbling into the lanes, said department spokesman Greg Phipps. A geologist sent to inspect the site this morning discovered more loose rock above the highway, prompting the closure of the eastbound lanes at 9:03 a.m., Phipps said. The eastbound closure begins at North Bend.

The department has hired a construction firm to do emergency repairs and chip away loose rocks that threaten to fall down the slope. It's not clear yet when that work will be completed.

When will the freeway open?

"Definitely not today, possibly tomorrow but it' s too early to tell so it could be even longer than that," Phipps said.

Traffic is being rerouted north over Stevens Pass on Highway 2, and south over White Pass on Highway 12.