HYAK – A new traffic shift is now in effect near Easton as one of the busiest construction seasons on Interstate 90 between North Bend and Ellensburg winds down for the upcoming winter.
The Washington State Department of Transportation and contractor crews shifted eastbound traffic to the westbound side of I-90 between mileposts 68 and 70 on Tuesday, Oct. 4. The shift will maintain two lanes of traffic in both directions for the next several years as crews work to build new lanes, as part of the major improvement project to widen I-90 from four to six lanes between Hyak and Easton. Travelers need to be aware the two-mile bypass around the construction zone has narrow lanes and shoulders.
Since June, WSDOT and contractor crews have replaced 352 concrete panels over an 18-mile stretch of I-90 near Cle Elum as well as repaired dozens of bridge decks between North Bend and Ellensburg.
"It was a busy summer with a lot of work taking place all over I-90 and we really appreciate the patience of drivers," said Brian White, assistant regional administrator for construction.
With just weeks left until crews officially call it quits until next spring, some minor finishing work remains. Drivers will still experience delays due to lane closures and traffic shifts between North Bend and Ellensburg.
Drivers are encouraged to use the following tools to help plan their trips across I-90 this fall and winter:
- Sign up for email updates or text messages about I-90 closures and delays.
- Download WSDOT's free mobile app.
- Visit the online real-time travel map to view travel impacts and traffic cameras.
- Tune into the Highway Advisory Radio at 1610 AM and 530 AM.
- Follow us on Twitter @snoqualmiepass.