Resolution_Snoqualmie Pass Comprehensive Safety Action Plan

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estimated what conditions might be by 2045. To model this, the project team evaluated intersection conditions with a 27% increase in vehicle volumes based on regional land use growth forecast for Kittitas County as well as forecast traffic growth along I-90.§ Even with this growth in traffic volumes, study intersections are expected to remain within acceptable LOS thresholds—LOS B or better in October and LOS C or better in February. These results do not represent peaks in congestion that can occur during busy times for recreational uses or winter storms, or when I-90 is overcapacity. However, they suggest that capacity treatments that add route options or additional modal separation, such as sidewalks and trails or more visible and/or controlled pedestrian street crossings, are more appropriate than roadway widening or construction of traffic signals. For a detailed description of the LOS analysis methodology and full results, see Appendix G. For LOS reports, see Appendix H. § All count volumes were increased by 27% to reflect a 20-year forecast horizon. This growth rate aligns with countywide population projections from the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) for Kittitas County and is consistent with anticipated traffic growth on I-90, the sole access route to Snoqualmie Pass. The methodology and growth assumption were confirmed by Kittitas County staff. Understanding Congestion in Snoqualmie Pass While the LOS analysis indicates that current and future congestion at study intersections will remain within WSDOT and County capacity thresholds, it is important to recognize that this data reflects only a limited snapshot in time and may not fully capture the lived experience in Snoqualmie Pass. To better understand these conditions, the project team conducted field observations and engaged with community members during a holiday weekend at the height of the ski season. Key takeaways from the field observations included: Congestion increasing steadily throughout the day High levels of street friction Observations consistent with feedback from the Stakeholder Planning Group and public outreach, including: ◦Parking along SR 906 results in pedestrians walking in the roadway ◦Truck parking along SR 906 creates sight distance issues and other operational challenges ◦Lack of marked pedestrian crossings misses an opportunity to direct where pedestrian crossings occur and provide more predictability for all users ◦Peak-period congestion, combined with driver confusion can lead to long queues and user frustration ◦Insufficient off-street parking supply at peak times, which can lead to congestion as a result of drivers searching for parking and pedestrians walking in the traveled way enroute from distant parking to intended destinations Congestion affects quality of life for residents, visitors, and travelers in Snoqualmie Pass. The safety impacts of congestion are often indirect, but congested conditions can contribute to behaviors such as distracted driving, unpredictable behavior, conflicts between drivers and pedestrians, and challenges for drivers unfamiliar with winter conditions. ė Ē Ęę ĕ ē Ě ;°Áìá >¾ DÝģ>¾ /ÝÎÈģ - Î Ý á ģ d Ý Á z Á Á Î ø á è Î È ģ d Ý ² Á ģ Z 9 þ ģ > È ^È Î ø á ° Î ģ > È -þ ¾Ý ¾ Î Á Ý ¾ / È È á Ý ì ¾ ģ Ý Áèģ > Î Î Ú ; Ý È þ ģ Ý 'ÎÁÝ¾ Z Ç Ú Ý è ģ Ý - þ ¾ Ý D²ÁÁ Ý¾ ; È Á Á W ¾ t þ ^ ģ È È þ ģ Ý ¾ ģ Z Ěđė Ěđ >ªÈ dD ^èìþģ Ý ÎìÈèþģ>²È Ę ę Ěđė đ ġ Ġ D²Áá SR 906 & Guye Peak Lane Exit 53 I-90 WB Ramp & Yellowstone Trail Road SR 906 & Tanner Way SR 906 & Hyak Drive E Exit 54 I-90 WB Ramp & Lake Mardee Road SR 906 & I-90 EB Off Ramp Exit 54 EB Off Ramp & Snoqualmie Drive Figure 22. LOS Evaluated Intersections Source: Fehr & Peers, 2025. 38Kittitas County | Snoqualmie Pass Comprehensive Safety Plan