Spokane7
49°
November 13, 2009 in City
Snoqualmie Pass reopens, chains required westbound
Interstate 90 at Snoqualmie Pass has reopened after closures this morning in both directions, and conditions improved during the day.
The Washington Department of Transportation has reimposed a requirement that vehicles, except those with all-wheel drive, be chained up headed westbound. Traction tires are required eastbound as of 4 p.m.
In addition, oversized vehicles are prohibited westbound and must be chained up going east.
Spin outs by vehicles on the pass were blamed for the closure between about 7 and 8:45 a.m. on the section from milepost 46 on the west side of the pass and milepost 57 on the eastern side.
Snow was also on the roadway from milepost 33 on the west side to milepost 71 near the hill at Easton.
Traffic cameras at 11 a.m. showed that pavement conditions had improved considerably since earlier this morning. The temperature at the top of the pass was 29 degrees at 4 p.m.
Travelers on the road should call the 5-1-1 road condition line from a cell phone as they approach the pass.
Couple acquitted of caging 2 boys 
SugarShane on November 13 at 7:54 a.m.
The spinouts are because people drive like freakin maniacs over this pass, just like anywhere, people fail to take the road conditions into account.
philipgregory on November 13 at 8:32 a.m.
I remember when the state sanded icy roads to protect drivers.
Now, they just let the accidents pile up then close the road!
And, the people put up with this misfeasance.
Fixer on November 13 at 10:21 a.m.
If only driver’s license requirements were more like those for a pilot’s license…