As concern over rush-hour traffic at the State Route 18 and Interstate 90 intersection continues to grow, Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson and State Representative Jay Rodne are pushing for $211 million to fund improvements as part of the 2015-17 statewide transportation package.

The tentative improvement plan, detailed on the state Department of Transportation website, involves building a direct ramp from westbound I-90 to westbound S.R. 18 and widening S.R. 18 between Deep Creek and I-90 to four lanes, with a concrete barrier separating the east- and westbound lanes.

Rodne said he is “confident and optimistic,” that the budget will pass as the legislature entered into a 30-day special session, starting Friday, May 29. If the bill passes, he said citizens will likely see construction as early as next year.

As for community input, Rodne urged that, “emails are most effective.”

He encouraged interested citizens to send messages to Senate transportation chair Curtis King, curtis.king@leg.wa.gov; and House transportation committee chair Judy Clibborn, judy.clibborn@leg.wa.gov.

To contact Rodne, send email to jay.rodne@leg.wa.gov. For more information on the proposed improvements, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR18/AuburntoI90/IHobart_I90.