The City of Snoqualmie continues to work closely with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to increase driver safety in and around Snoqualmie.
The City supports the recent installation of two lighted warning signs on eastbound Interstate 90 between Exit 22 near Preston and Exit 25 to Snoqualmie. The signs are active as of May 13, 2019.
The right-hand lane of eastbound I-90 exiting to turn right onto State Route 18 backs up frequently – and dangerously – during peak commuting hours. The news signs will automatically activate when traffic ahead is slowed or stopped, giving drivers more time to slow down and prevent rear-end collisions.
The I-90/SR 18 interchange is one of the busiest in the state. For many years the City of Snoqualmie has actively encouraged WSDOT to improve the interchange, resulting in the I-90/SR 18 Interchange Improvement Project. Designs are complete, and construction is scheduled to begin in 2021 with an anticipated completion in 2023.
An interim improvement would be construction of a dedicated right-lane on-ramp at the interchange for drivers on Snoqualmie Parkway to merge onto westbound I-90. WSDOT has approved partial funding of this project with construction beginning as soon as the City of Snoqualmie secures matching funds. The Snoqualmie Indian Tribe committed $75,000 and the City of Covington another $50,000 toward the project. The City of Maple Valley may potentially contribute.
The City of Snoqualmie successfully requested the recent installation of a truck tipping sign and speed reduction to 10 mph westbound on Exit 25 to increase safety and warn semis of the sharp left turn onto SR 18. The turn sometimes results in trucks tipping at the intersection creating complete traffic blockage as well as possible vehicle accidents and injuries.
More information about the I-90/SR 18 Interchange Improvement Project, including design, timeline, and funding, is posted on the WSDOT website under Projects.
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Contact:
Joan Pliego
jpliego@ci.snoqualmie.wa.us
www.cityofsnoqualime.org
425-888-8014 / 425-281-3317