Residents of North Bend and Snoqualmie depend on a safe and open State Route (SR) 202, a vital transportation link between the two cities.
Over the years, traffic has increased on this section of roadway, which is located within Snoqualmie Valley elk range (a popular tourist attraction), raising public safety concerns related to wildlife crossings and increased traffic volume.
To address these concerns, the cities of North Bend and Snoqualmie amended their respective city ordinances to lower the speed limit on State Route 202 between milepost 27.95 and milepost 29.60 from 50 to 40 miles per hour.
The ordinance amending North Bend Municipal Code (NBMC) 10.12.010(B) and Snoqualmie Municipal Code (SMC) 10.12.030(A)(4) was enacted in response to reports from local law enforcement and the community of an increase in dangerous accidents involving moose crossings, “near misses,” and collisions between moose and vehicles.
The Snoqualmie Tribe, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Meadowbrook Farm Preservation Association also expressed concerns about local wildlife and driver safety along Highway 202.
A speed study conducted by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in early 2024 concluded that a 40 mph speed limit was necessary on this section of SR 202. Both cities had to approve amendments to their city ordinances before WSDOT could install new speed limit signs.
On July 8, the Snoqualmie City Council approved an ordinance amending SMC 10.12.030(A)(4). “The Snoqualmie City Council unanimously agreed to this necessary speed limit reduction to protect local wildlife and increase public safety,” said Mayor Katharine Ross. “I commend the City Council for taking this important step.”
On July 16, North Bend City Council unanimously approved an ordinance amending NBMC 10.12.010(B). “Councillors shared a variety of perspectives and solutions to improve safety on this section of roadway, and we all agree that lowering the speed limit and adding approximately 10 seconds of driving time in the interest of public safety is a worthwhile effort,” Mayor Miller commented.
The cities of North Bend and Snoqualmie expect WSDOT to install new speed limit signs on this section of SR 202 in the coming months.
“We are pleased that the state has decided to lower the speed limit on SR202 and install elk warning signs over the next 12 weeks. Making it a safer place for both the community and elk has been part of our mission since we were founded,” said Sharen Marsal, president of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley Elk Management Group.
Even at slower speeds, drivers should use caution on SR 202. The road is often foggy, making it hard to see moose. Drivers may be surprised when a moose or moose comes onto the road to cross.
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The collaboration between the cities of North Bend and Snoqualmie, along with support from local organizations and the state, highlights a community dedicated to enhancing safety for residents and local wildlife.
Lowering the speed limit on SR 202 is an important step to reduce accidents and protect the unique natural habitat of Snoqualmie Valley elk. As the new signs are installed and drivers adapt to the changes, we hope to see a safer and more harmonious coexistence between humans and the majestic elk that roam this beautiful area.
