Lots of commuters were hoping the I-90 eastbound off-ramp at Exit 70 near Easton would reopen next week as scheduled, but there’s been a change of plans.
In a recent press release, WSDOT said the closure has been extended another week to Sept. 1.
The ramp was originally scheduled to reopen next Monday, Aug. 24, but crews have run into challenges while working to connect the new highway to the new off-ramp.
New Detour Adds About a Mile to I-90 Ramp Construction Commute
Eastbound drivers who need Exit 70 will have to continue about a mile farther east to Exit 71. From there, drivers can turn around and head back westbound on I-90 to access Exit 70.
It’s not a huge detour, but it is something to keep in mind in the Easton area.
The good news is that businesses along Easton Sparks Road are still accessible even with the detour.
And if you’re headed to Lake Easton State Park, WSDOT says you can get there using Exit 71.
This Is Part of a Much Bigger Project
The ramp closure is part of the third phase of the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East project, which covers a 15-mile stretch between Hyak and the Easton area.
That site is much more complicated than just rebuilding an off-ramp.
The project is adding a new lane in each direction, replacing concrete pavement and stabilizing rock slopes. Crews are also building wildlife crossings, improving sight distance, and making changes designed to improve traffic safety.
For now, Sept. 1 is the new target date for reopening the eastbound Exit 70 off-ramp.
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