Update | Fallen trees and freezing rain keep some state routes closed in King County | SR 18 and 410


January 19, 2012 · Updated 4:03 PM 

The changing weather conditions are making the cleanup process a challenge for maintenance crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation. The worst areas are State Route 202, SR 410, SR 900 and SR 18.

Currently, SR 18 is closed between SR 164 in Auburn and Interstate 90 due to multiple downed trees, freezing rain and deteriorating conditions. Crews are preparing to close SR 18 between I-5 and SR167 at 4:30 p.m. Weyerhaeuser Way will remain open to allow for local traffic. The ramp from northbound I-5 to eastbound SR 18 will also close at 4:30 p.m.

The highway will remain close until further notice.

“There are too many trees to clear before dark and too many trees in danger of coming down,” said Dave McCormick, regional maintenance manager for WSDOT.

State Route 410 remains closed at this hour between SR 164 and the Federated Forest.

State Route 202 between Fall City and Snoqualmie closed around 9 a.m. and will remain closed overnight. Dozens of trees are scattered across all lanes. Maintenance crews have pulled out of the area due to dangerous conditions.

State Route 900 remains closed at this hour. Crews will make another assessment before dark.

Information about all state highways and interstates can be found on the web.

The National Weather Service calls for snow and freezing rain, cold temperatures overnight, and winds picking up in the canyon areas until 4 a.m. Friday.

Drivers can monitor real-time road conditions and look at traffic cameras by checking the Seattle traffic map.

WSDOT will post real-time traffic updates on the Travel Alerts page, and on Twitter.

 

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.