Tricky commute on Snoqualmie Pass Friday
Holiday travel headaches are already hitting drivers trying to get over Snoqualmie Pass. They were stopped in their tracks this afternoon after the eastbound route of I-90 was shut down due to snowfall and accidents on the pass.
By 6 pm Friday, the Washington State Department of Transportation said all lanes had reopened.
“I’m heading home. I live at the pass,” said Patt Kelly–Pollet, a resident who lives at Snoqualmie Pass.
The road was closed at around 3:30 p.m. due to what WSDOT described as spin-outs. The Washington State Patrol and WSDOT provided images of the snowy conditions that caused people to lose control.
At one point, the backup was about two miles long.
Coady said she was caught off guard by the closure.
“I am empty right now. I have to pick up the load, then get to Illinois and that’s a load for the holidays,” said Inderdeep Singh, a truck driver.
“It’s always shocking and amazing that people try to get over the pass without chains,” said Pollet.
Travel experts also remind folks to gas up and pack an emergency kit before going on a long holiday trip. Extra food water, a blanket and other cold-weather gear could come in handy if you find yourself stuck, or in an emergency situation.
