Tha Cascade Mountains in Washington are not particularly high mountains (Snoqualmie Pass is lower than the lowest point in the State of Colorado), but they are very rugged, receive impressive amounts of snow on the western side and provide a formidable barrier to transportation in the Pacific Northwest region. For example, the Great Northern (now Burlington Northern-Santa Fe ('BNSF')) Railroad ultimately had to resort to constructing what is now the second longest mountain railroad tunnel in North America only a short distance north of here in order to successfuly cross this range. WaDOT was able, however, to construct 6 lane I-90 across the Cascades without having to use a tunnel.
The most striking features of I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass include the wide 'spread' median west of the summit, with at least two public picnic/campgrounds and other development in the valley between the roadways. Each roadway uses its own side of the valley to climb and descend the grade. I have also highlighted with a dashed black line the access road (ex US 10?) that serves the development within the median. Another interesting feature is the 1.2 km long viaduct bridge on the westbound descent, this located by the words '3 lane' (the eastbound side has 4 lanes climbing).
For the railroad fans, the dashed line across the bottom of the map is the 2.3 mile/3.7 km 'Snoqualmie Tunnel'.
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Just follow this sign to make your OWN great signs!!!! |
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This page © Michael G. Koerner |
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