City of Snoqualmie
News Release
For immediate release: July 9, 2019
Snoqualmie, WA – The City of Snoqualmie is entering an agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to construct an interim on-ramp from southbound Snoqualmie Parkway onto westbound Interstate 90 (I-90) to increase safety and improve traffic flow. The on-ramp will used during the period prior to the commencement of the I-90/SR 18 Interchange Improvement Project.
WSDOT has completed preliminary design plans for the “I-90 Ramp Project.” The existing signal-controlled right turn lane will be modified to create a free right turn protected by a traffic island. The Scale No. 25 weigh station will be closed to serve as a continuation of the on-ramp. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-October 2019 with completion by the end of the year, weather permitting.
The overall investment will be approximately $1.2 million to be divided by a 50/50 match between the City of Snoqualmie and WSDOT. Senator Mark Mullet secured WSDOT’s commitment to the match through a re-appropriation within the existing budget for the I-90/SR 18 Interchange Improvement Project.
The City of Snoqualmie match will be funded through a $75,000 contribution from the Snoqualmie Tribe, a $50,000 contribution from the City of Covington, and a $50,000 contribution from the City of Maple Valley, with the remaining funds to be provided by the City of Snoqualmie. The City is considering funding options for the investment, which may include a temporary additional $20 vehicle license renewal fee.
“I believe a temporary $20 car tab fee would be palatable to the majority of those in Snoqualmie since everyone experiences the regular traffic slowdowns,” said Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson. “This will also be a benefit to the general flow of traffic from SR-18 onto I-90. That is why the Snoqualmie Tribe and the cities of Covington and Maple Valley are contributing to the on-ramp project. It will be a win-win for everyone. I am very pleased the Snoqualmie City Council approved this agreement, so we can expedite the solution.”
More information about the
I-90 Ramp Project is posted on the City of Snoqualmie website at
bit.ly/I90RampProject.