Drivers face delays of up to two hours or more on Snoqualmie Pass next week when crews close one lane of eastbound Interstate 90 for six days straight in preparation for opening a brand new section of highway.

The Washington State Department of Transportation and contractor crews will close the lane from 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, to pave transitions between the old and new lanes.

“If you plan to travel eastbound over Snoqualmie Pass next week and want to avoid long delays, plan ahead and make sure you are over the pass before noon or wait it out and travel after 9 p.m. if possible,” said Bob Hooker, WSDOT assistant project engineer. “We understand that the delays are going to be inconvenient, but it’s going to be well worth it when these improvements are complete.”

On Oct. 21, the 30,000 drivers who travel over the pass everyday will get to try the new, wider and safer eastbound highway and bridges between Hyak (milepost 54) and Rocky Run Creek (milepost 57).

More From News Talk KIT