Long Blast Closure Scheduled This Week Over Snoqualmie Pass
Crews are once again blasting in an area near the snowshed this week that could bring down a substantial amount of debris onto Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass, resulting in a closure that could last longer than an hour.
The Washington State Department of Transportation and contractor crews will close the pass at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 20, from Hyak (milepost 54) to the Price Creek Sno-Park (milepost 61). A reopening time depends on the amount of time it takes to remove large pieces of debris and for crews to evaluate any damage to the roadway. Drivers need to plan for more than 2 hours of added travel time.
The rock blasting closures on Tuesday, Aug. 21, Wednesday, Aug. 22, and Thursday, Aug. 23, will be from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Due to increased construction activity and rolling slowdown during the day, drivers should plan for added travel time Monday through Friday. Exit 54 westbound is currently open, but drivers should anticipate temporary closures of the ramp throughout the week.
WSDOT reminds drivers that the Taylor Bridge Fire has not impacted I-90; the interstate remains open between Cle Elum and Ellensburg with hazy conditions due to smoke. The only road closure in place due to the fire is US 97, which is closed from the junction of State Route 10 near Ellensburg to the junction of SR 970 near Lauderdale. Access to Wenatchee and US 97 over Blewett Pass is open from I-90 exit 85 to SR 970.
Here are some tools to help drivers plan their trips:
- Visit the What’s Happening on I-90 Web page for up-to-date information on construction projects, traffic impacts, travel graphs and to sign up for email updates
- Visit the Snoqualmie Mountain Pass Web page for real-time travel information and to view traffic cameras
- Check the weekly Construction Updates Web page and Traffic Web page for region-wide updates
- Tune into the Highway Advisory Radio at 1610 AM and 530 AM
- Follow us on Twitter @snoqualmiepass
- Call the I-90 construction hotline at 888-535-0738 or 511
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