SNOQUALMIE - The state's newest traffic signal went into action last week at the busy intersection of Interstate 90 and State Route 18.

The activation marks the completion of the first project in King County funded by the transportation-funding package enacted by the 2003 Washington State Legislature. The nickel gas tax funding package project is the first step in a two-phase plan to reduce congestion and accidents at the interchange. In addition to the signal, crews also restriped the existing single-lane exit to provide a 400-foot right turn lane.

More than 6,000 vehicles use the eastbound exit on an average weekday.

Phase two of the project will address increasing traffic at the interchange, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation, including the installation of a permanent signal at the eastbound off ramp and widening the ramp to add a second left turn land. In addition, phase two widens SR 18 under I-90 and adds a northbound lane to Snoqualmie Parkway for about 1,000 feet to the north of I-90. Phase two is fully funded by the nickel funding package. Construction on phase two is expected to start in 2007 and be completed by 2008.

The projected total cost for both phases in $3.4 million.

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