A jackknifed semi-truck has completely closed westbound Interstate 90 at milepost 70 near Easton, Washington, on Friday morning. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported the crash, attributing it to icy road conditions. The closure, located approximately 20 miles east of the Snoqualmie Pass summit, is causing significant delays for westbound travelers. This incident is separate from an earlier eastbound closure near North Bend, creating major travel disruptions on both sides of the critical mountain pass.
Key Takeaways:
- A semi-truck jackknifed on westbound I-90 near Easton, forcing a full highway closure.
- Icy road conditions were a primary factor in causing the crash.
- The closure is at milepost 70, separate from other incidents on the eastbound side.
- WSDOT crews are on scene clearing the wreckage and treating the roadway.
- No estimated timeline for reopening the westbound lanes has been provided.
Incident Blocks Critical Mountain Pass Corridor
The crash occurred in the early morning hours on Friday, March 13. WSDOT shared an image showing the jackknifed truck blocking multiple lanes of traffic. Officials have advised drivers to avoid the area if possible. Crews are working to remove the semi-truck and apply de-icing materials to the slick roadway. Motorists are experiencing lengthy delays with no immediate alternative route available.
Separate Collisions Snarl Eastbound Traffic
The westbound closure compounds existing travel problems on I-90. Earlier Friday morning, multiple spinouts and collisions prompted the closure of eastbound lanes near North Bend. This dual disruption affects travel in both directions across the Cascade Mountains. The series of incidents underscores the hazardous driving conditions present on the pass.
Drivers Urged to Check Conditions Before Travel
WSDOT is urging all motorists to check real-time road conditions and travel alerts before attempting to cross Snoqualmie Pass. Both primary travel directions are currently impacted at different locations. The department has not announced when either closure is expected to be lifted. Travelers should prepare for extended delays or consider postponing their trip until conditions improve.
Expert Analysis: "This series of closures highlights the rapid danger that winter conditions pose to mountain passes, even as we move further into spring," explained a WSDOT spokesperson. "A single incident like a jackknifed truck can sever a major statewide transportation artery, causing cascading delays. It underscores the critical need for drivers to adjust speed for conditions and be prepared for sudden stops or closures."
Conclusion:
The closure of westbound I-90 near Easton represents a significant disruption to cross-state travel and commerce. With both directions of the highway affected by separate incidents, travelers face a challenging Friday commute. The situation remains fluid as crews work to clear the wreckage and improve road conditions. The ongoing incidents serve as a stark reminder of the volatility of late-winter weather in the Pacific Northwest’s mountain corridors.
