Washington State launches widening project on 2-mile section of I-90

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) broke ground on a project to widen a 2-mile stretch of Interstate 90 on Tuesday.
   
The project will add two lanes of traffic east of Snoqualmie Pass to make that section of I-90 a six-lane highway. Other portions of the project include stabilization of rocky slopes, a wildlife overcrossing and new bridges and culverts.
 
The project is an extension of a larger 5-mile expansion project of I-90 from Hyak to the Keechelus Dam.

“This project is a shining example of WSDOT’s future direction. It embraces our values, goals and strategies for a safe transportation system that improves mobility and supports economic growth,” WSDOT Deputy Secretary of Transportation Cam Gilmour said.
   
Local officials, transportation advocates and members of the business community attended Tuesday's groundbreaking ceremony.
 
This project is partially funded as part of the $551 million dollars that was raised through a tax on gasoline in 2005. Additional funding was also allocated by the Washington legislature within the 2013 transportation budget.

The 5-mile expansion is expected to be completed in 2018. The 2-mile extension is expected to be completed the following year.