I-90 delays expected for roadwork east of Snoqualmie Pass

Beginning Monday and continuing through the first significant snowfall, drivers can expect up to 20-minute delays and rolling slowdowns on Interstate 90 just east of Snoqualmie Pass near Keechelus Lake.

The slowdowns are necessary for drilling crews to continue their work for a new road project, the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East — Hyak to Keechelus Dam project.

The state Department of Transportation will slow traffic periodically between mileposts 57 and 59. The majority of these slowdowns will occur Mondays through Fridays during daylight hours with the exception of some weekends. Motorists should watch message signs for specific traffic updates.

The DOT maintenance crews will slow traffic in both directions as mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA requires that a clear space be provided for helicopters carrying equipment over the Interstate for emergency-landing purposes. Due to the rugged terrain, the DOT and drilling crews are using helicopters to deliver equipment to drilling locations along the mountain slopes.

Crews also are using special drill equipment to collect rock-core samples to determine soil and foundation conditions. Engineers are conducting this work to learn what methods are necessary to straighten sharp roadway curves, design and construct the other improvements needed for the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East project.

The project will provide a six-lane freeway from Hyak to Easton. The project will straighten roadway curves, replace old pavement and reduce rockfall and avalanche hazards. The DOT also will construct wildlife crossings over and under I-90 and enhance wetlands and habitats throughout the corridor.

Construction is scheduled to begin on the first five miles of the project in 2009.

For more information, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/I90/SnoqualmiePassEast/HyaktoKeechelusDam

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com