Delays expected at Snoqualmie Pass beginning Tuesday

Drivers headed over Snoqualmie Pass can expect delays beginning Tuesday as work crews gather soil samples for the Interstate 90 expansion project.

Geotechnical experts are using special drilling equipment to collect soil and foundation core samples for the project.

Construction is expected to begin in 2010, but experts are working now to gather information as engineers continue to design the half-billion dollar widening project.

"When you are designing a roadway project between steep mountainous slopes and a reservoir lake — we need all the information we can get," said Brian White, state Department of Transportation's project director. "This work is a continuation of two years worth of investigation into the rock slopes over, along side, and in Keechelus Lake."

During daylight hours Tuesday through Friday, DOT crews will work in the westbound lanes and shoulders of I-90 between mileposts 60 and 58, and work in the eastbound shoulders of I-90 between mile posts 58 and 60.

Drivers should expect delays up to 20 minutes as lane and shoulder closures are required during this activity.