Winter weather causes problems on Interstate 90

RITZVILLE – Winter weather hit Monday morning, Dec. 20, resulting in significant snowfall and multiple collisions on Interstate 90 near Schoessler Road.

According to the state Department of Transportation, the trouble began around 8:30 a.m., when a collision involving a semi closed the left lane of westbound I-90 at Milepost 225.

By 9:15 a.m., there were multiple collisions and slide-offs in the area due to compact snow and ice on the road, delaying travel in both directions, the patrol reported. At 9:30 a.m., another collision was reported in the eastbound lanes involving another semi.

Eastbound traffic was diverted off I-90 onto Schoessler Road.

At 9:45 a.m., another collision was reported in the westbound lanes near Milepost 226, about 2 miles east of the original trouble spot, the patrol said. Westbound traffic was also diverted onto Schoessler Road while crews worked to open the highway.

By 10:30 a.m. nearly 2 inches of snow had accumulated, and more snow was continuing to fall.

By 11 a.m., emergency crews were able to re-open I-90 in both directions, the patrol said.

No injuries were reported in any of the mishaps.