Welcome to "Ask the Traffic Team," a Web page created to answer your everyday questions about traffic issues in WSDOT's South Central Region . You can find common questions sorted by subject in our Frequently Asked Questions archive.
To submit your question, simply e-mail our Public Affairs office and provide as much detail as possible. You can typically expect a response with a week.
Questions for the week of Feb. 3 - 24, 2012.
Snoqualmie Pass striping
Several drivers are concerned about faded lane striping through the construction zone on Snoqualmie Pass. What can WSDOT to improve this?
Snoqualmie Pass plowing
Toby would like to see WSDOT use salt on Snoqualmie Pass and plow it more often. As a truck driver, he rarely sees plows out there. What can WSDOT do?
I-90 blasting
Several drivers are curious to know if blasting at the I-90 project east of Snoqualmie Pass is done for the year.
Answers
Q: Can WSDOT refresh the faded lane markings on Snoqualmie Pass?
Maintaining good lane striping on I-90 across Snoqualmie Pass has always been a challenge. After lane markings are put down, they only last a limited time. The main reason for wear and tear to the pavement markings is abrasion from winter-related conditions and the extreme weather. Deicer, anti-icer, sand and plowing, along with studded tires, heavy truck traffic and tire chains, all contribute to the lane markings wearing off.
The contractor on the I-90 project put down new lines and striping just prior to winter, but those lines have subsequently worn off because of the winter weather, anti-icing products and heavy traffic.
Our striping crew has been up to the area twice this week to reapply markings but conditions have been less than ideal. Roadway surface temperatures are well below the manufacturer’s recommendations for pavement marking installation. In addition to temperature challenges, we are dealing with areas of wet road from snow melting and running across the highway making a successful installation very difficult. Even with ideal conditions, lane markings will only last for a limited time.
With that said, we are planning to continue to monitor and re-establish the pavement markings in this area throughout the winter as weather allows.
Q: Can WSDOT make sure to plow Snoqualmie Pass more often when it snows?
We understand the importance of commerce to the state’s economy, of which you are a big part, and we make every effort to keep the Snoqualmie Pass safe for all drivers.
Not seeing our plows on the pass may just be a simple matter of geographical circumstance: You may simply be in the wrong place at the right time. Our plows travel in groups or tandem, and it’s possible that due to trees or the separation in the roadway, you may miss them completely. In stormy weather, you might still see a white or slushy road surface and think we’re not plowing. Our plows average 2 to 4 inches per hour, and can sometimes take an hour to complete their rounds – meaning that snow can build up on the freshly plowed areas.
WSDOT also does use salt on Snoqualmie Pass. We apply it at a rate of 100 to 600 lbs. per lane mile depending on conditions. We also use straight magnesium chloride for frost conditions at 20 to 40 gallons per lane mile. Salt is our main tool of choice for most conditions, but when traction becomes a factor, we also use ACM, which is Abrasive Chemical Mix, which is 5 parts maintenance sand and 1 part salt.
Q: Is WSDOT done with blasting on I-90 for the year?
Crews are done blasting on I-90 east of Snoqualmie Pass for the year. Crews will resume next year.
Here are some helpful tools below for you to take a look at the next time you have to travel over I-90 Snoqualmie Pass:
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