For immediate release: September 14, 2022
Snoqualmie, WA – Last Thursday, Mayor Ross, Former Mayor Larson, Councilmember Christensen, and Councilmember Wotton joined Governor Jay Inslee, along with Snoqualmie Tribe leaders and other City, County, State and Federal elected representatives to celebrate the groundbreaking of WSDOT's I-90/SR 18 Interchange Improvement Project. This project is a true example of collaborative cooperation in the name of safety, the environment, and improved connectivity.
Background
After many years of meetings with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and local leadership testimony in Olympia, in 2016, the Washington State Legislature approved $150 million to improve travel times and safety performance at the interchange.
Earlier this year, the final portion of funding was secured that will complete the widening SR 18 over Tiger Mountain. The 2022 $17 billion state transportation bill included $640 million for the widening of SR 18 between Issaquah-Hobart Road and Deep Creek.
This important safety investment in SR 18 between Issaquah and I-90 will modernize and improve the often dangerous, two-lane state highway stretch that crosses Tiger Mountain
Funding to design and construct interchange improvements was moved up by six years from 2029 to 2023 during the 2017 legislative session. Due to the financial impacts of COVID-19 on WSDOT staffing, construction is expected to be completed in 2025.
Project Benefits
- Improved traffic flow and congestion relief.
- Increased safety.
- Improved travel and commute times on I-90, SR 18, and Snoqualmie Parkway.
- Reduced freight traffic on local city streets by relocating the weigh station.
Timeline
Interchange construction will start in November 2022, while the new interchange is slated for completion in 2025.
Learn more along with WSDOT project details.
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Caption: Mayor Ross, Gov. Jay Inslee, and Former Mayor Matt Larson