After a long winter break, construction is getting ready to resume on two major Interstate 90 projects east of Snoqualmie Pass. And that means drivers who cross the pass should prepare for construction related closures and delays.

The Washington State Department of Transportation and ICON Materials started work Monday on the $19.3 million project to replace deteriorating sections of concrete roadway and asphalt shoulders in both directions of I-90 between Easton and Cle Elum.

 

During construction, drivers can expect daytime lane restrictions before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. To reduce delays for summer travelers, crews will only close lanes at night from June to early September. Work should be complete in fall 2012.

 

“It’s going to be one of the busiest constructions seasons we’ve seen on I-90,” said WSDOT Regional Administrator Don Whitehouse. “We understand construction delays can be frustrating, but we know drivers will appreciate smoother pavement and less congestion once we are finished.”

 

Starting later this spring, WSDOT and contractor crews also will resume work on the $551 million project that builds a wider, safer and more reliable stretch of I-90 from Hyak to Keechelus Dam. As part of this five-mile project, crews will begin rock blasting again along the slopes east of Snoqualmie Pass. Drivers will need to plan for hour-long closures that will start an hour before sunset. Ultimately, the work will allow crews to widen the highway from four to six lanes.

This project is funded by the 2005 gas tax and will be complete in 2017. Over the next six years, crews will:

·         Build a new six-lane highway

·         Replace the snowshed just east of Snoqualmie Pass with a new structure to reduce avalanche closures

·         Replace and add bridges and culverts

·         Stabilize rock slopes

·         Extend chain-up/off areas

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