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Hinkle calls for governor to
accelerate I-90 improvements
Rep.
Bill Hinkle isn't willing to wait until 2007 or later for the
state to begin an extensive I-90 freight mobility project approved by
the Legislature this year and funded by the new gas-tax increase. Hinkle
says Gov. Christine Gregoire should expedite the project in light of the
recent closure of I-90 by a rockslide.
“I’ve experienced the impact of the rockslide on I-90 personally over
the last several days,” said Hinkle, R-Cle Elum. “The loss of this
critical highway route puts a burden on our economy and personal lives;
we’ve got to get this improvement project going earlier than planned.”
The 2005-07 transportation budget project list indicates the I-90
Snoqualmie Pass East Project is scheduled to break ground in 2011. The
project is to widen the highway, build more snow sheds (to protect the
highway from avalanches and rockslides), and straighten the curves in
the road. These improvements should result in keeping the highway from
being closed so often in the winter.
“During budget discussions last session, I was told that this project
was to start as early as 2007. I’ve since been told it might be later,”
Hinkle said. “I am urging the governor and Secretary MacDonald to
accelerate the timeline to begin construction as soon as possible.”
Hinkle sent letters to both Gov. Gregoire and Secretary of
Transportation Doug MacDonald.
Interstate 90 has been reduced to one lane through portions of east
Snoqualmie Pass since a rockslide that occurred Nov. 6. Motorists
experienced long delays over the Veteran’s Day weekend.
“Delaying this project any longer than necessary can only have a
negative effect on the economy, especially the timing of freight
deliveries and construction cost inflation,” Hinkle said.
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For more information, contact:
John Handy, Assistant
Communications Director - (360) 786-5758
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