Traffic backups on Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass in Washington state were minimal Wednesday, Nov. 9, with few problems overnight into Thursday, following a rockslide that occurred the previous weekend, the state’s Department of Transportation reported.

Construction contractors and geologists worked on the slope Wednesday evening, removing 20 dump truck loads of rock. They continued to work overnight to figure out what rock still needed to come down on Thursday.

At around noon on Wednesday, workers removed two large boulders, one weighing approximately 20,000 pounds and the other approximately 4,000 pounds, from the rock face above the slide. A newly installed safety fence kept the boulders and other falling debris within the closed-off westbound lanes.

Traffic managers are trying to find ways to make sure increased travel for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend doesn’t cause severe backups on Interstate 90, or on the alternate routes of U.S. 2; Stevens Pass ; and Washington Route 12, White Pass.  

The remaining rock will need to be inspected to determine if more needs to be removed before contractors start stabilizing the rock face. Travelers can expect slowdowns and/or temporary traffic interruptions if more rock needs to be removed.

One eastbound and one westbound lane remain open, with a speed limit within the work zone of 35 mph. Oversized loads are not allowed, and backups are to be expected during periods of heavy traffic.

No estimate for when the roadway will fully reopen has been given.

For up-to-date information, motorists can visit the WSDOT pass Web site at wsdot.wa.gov/traffic.