If you’re planning to travel across Snoqualmie Pass this weekend, be prepared for significant delays. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced two separate maintenance projects that will temporarily impact traffic on Interstate 90 near Easton and Cle Elum. Planning ahead can help you avoid unnecessary delays and improve safety for everyone on the road.
I-90 Closure Near Easton for Hazard Tree Removal
On Sunday, July 12, WSDOT will close Interstate 90 in both directions near Easton from 5:00 a.m. until approximately 10:00 a.m. while crews remove hazardous trees along the highway corridor. Hazard tree removal helps prevent falling trees from striking vehicles or blocking the roadway, particularly in heavily forested areas near Snoqualmie Pass.
During the closure:
- Eastbound traffic will be stopped at Cabin Creek Road (Exit 63).
- Westbound traffic will be stopped at Easton (Exit 70).
Drivers should expect backups to develop before the closure begins and additional congestion once traffic is released.
Eastbound Off-Ramp Closure in Cle Elum
Drivers traveling east on Monday, July 13, should also be aware that the I-90 eastbound Exit 84 off-ramp in Cle Elumwill be closed from 6:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for routine bridge maintenance.
Motorists needing access to Cle Elum should use the signed detour via Exit 85 while crews complete the repairs.
Although this project is smaller than Sunday’s full freeway closure, travelers should still expect minor delays in the area.
Why These Closures Matter
Summer is one of the busiest travel seasons across Snoqualmie Pass. Maintenance work such as tree removal and bridge repairs helps improve roadway safety and reduce the likelihood of emergency closures later in the year.
WSDOT schedules many of these projects during periods of lower traffic whenever possible, but complete closures are sometimes necessary to protect both workers and motorists. Drivers should slow down in work zones, remain alert, and follow directions from traffic control personnel.
Check Traffic Conditions Before You Leave
Before heading over Snoqualmie Pass, it’s a good idea to check current highway conditions.
Helpful resources include:
- WSDOT Travel Center: https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel
- WSDOT Real-Time Traffic Map: https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/traffic-map
- Google Maps Traffic: https://maps.google.com (enable the Traffic layer for live congestion updates)
These tools provide real-time information on road closures, travel times, mountain pass conditions, traffic cameras, and construction alerts.
Drive Safely Through Work Zones
Construction and maintenance zones present additional hazards for both drivers and road crews. Washington law requires motorists to obey posted speed limits, remain attentive, and be prepared for sudden stops in active work zones. Leaving a little earlier and allowing extra travel time can make the trip less stressful while helping keep everyone safe.
Stay Informed Before You Travel
Whether you’re heading to Eastern Washington for recreation or returning home after the weekend, checking travel conditions before leaving can help you avoid unexpected delays. WSDOT’s real-time travel tools make it easy to monitor closures, mountain pass conditions, and traffic throughout the state.
Call to Action
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle collision or have legal questions following a highway accident in Washington, contact Blanford Law today at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253-720-9304 for guidance on your legal matter.
Additional Resources
- Understanding IRLJ 6.4: Effective Date of Traffic Infractions – Learn when Washington traffic infractions become effective and how the timing can affect your rights and responsibilities.
- I-90 Easton Crash: What Drivers Should Know – Read about a previous I-90 Easton collision and the legal and safety issues that can arise following serious highway accidents.
- IRLJ 6.3: Traffic Citations in Washington – Understand how traffic citations are issued under Washington’s Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction.
- IRLJ 6.2: Penalties for Traffic Infractions – Explore the penalties that may apply to Washington traffic infractions and what drivers can expect after receiving a citation.
- Washington Nonadjudicative Proceedings Explained – Learn how nonadjudicative proceedings work in Washington and when they may apply in legal matters involving state agencies or administrative decisions.