Here is a reminder for anyone traveling over Snoqualmie Pass this evening. Many volunteers have been driving back and forth over the pass bringing supplies to the Cle Elum area for fire evacuees. If you plan to travel, keep this road closure in mind as it could be longer than previous ones for construction blasting.
Crews are blasting in an area near the snowshed tonight that could bring down a substantial amount of debris onto Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass, resulting in a closure that could last longer than an hour.
The Washington State Department of Transportation and contractor crews will close the pass at 7:30PM on Thursday, Aug. 16th, from Hyak (milepost 54) to the Price Creek Sno-Park (milepost 61). A reopening time depends on the amount of time it takes to remove large pieces of debris and for crews to evaluate any damage to the highway. Drivers need to plan for more than 2 hours of added travel time.
WSDOT reminds drivers that the Taylor Bridge Fire has not impacted I-90; the interstate remains open between Cle Elum and Ellensburg with hazy conditions due to smoke. The only road closure in place due to the fire is US 97, which is closed from the junction of State Route 10 near Ellensburg to the junction of SR 970 near Lauderdale.
