Why did WSDOT improve safety and reliability on I-90?

Phase 2 was part of a 15-mile corridor improvement project to improve safety and reliability and reduce congestion along I-90 from Hyak to the Easton vicinity. On average, 31,000 vehicles travel over Snoqualmie Pass every day and traffic numbers double on weekends and holidays. Traffic volumes are expected to increase 1 percent every year, reaching an average of over 39,000 vehicles per day by 2040.

The End Result

WSDOT increased capacity and improved safety by:

• Adding a new lane in each direction
• Replacing concrete pavement
• Stabilizing rock slopes
• Building wildlife crossings
• Straightening the roadway 
• Adding new chain-up areas

Needs & Benefits

• Safety. WSDOT improved the driving surface on I-90 by replacing the concrete pavement, straightening the roadway, and adding new chain-up areas.
• Congestion Relief. WSDOT increased capacity by 50 percent in each direction to accommodate projected traffic volumes for the next 20 years by adding a lane in each direction.
• Environmental. WSDOT minimized impacts to the environment and improved movement of wildlife.

Timeline

• Summer 2015 - construction began
• Fall 2019 - construction completed

Funding

Funding Source ($ in Thousands)
$110,640 from 2005 gas tax (TPA)