The residents of North Bend and Snoqualmie rely on a safe and open State Route (SR) 202, an essential connection between the two cities.
Over the years, increased traffic on this stretch of roadway, which lies within the Snoqualmie Valley elk herd habitat—a popular visitor attraction—has raised public safety concerns related to wildlife crossings and heightened traffic.
To address these concerns, the City of North Bend and the City of Snoqualmie have amended their respective municipal codes, reducing the speed limit on SR 202 between Mile Post 27.95 and Mile Post 29.60 from 50 MPH to 40 MPH.
The Ordinances amending North Bend Municipal Code (NBMC) 10.12.010(B) and Snoqualmie Municipal Code (SMC) 10.12.030(A)(4) were prompted by local law enforcement and community reports of increased elk crossings, “near misses,” and dangerous accidents involving vehicular collisions with elk.
The Snoqualmie Tribe, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Meadowbrook Farm Preservation Association also expressed concerns about the safety of local wildlife and drivers along SR 202.
Following a speed study conducted by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in early 2024, it was concluded that a 40 MPH speed limit was warranted for this stretch of SR 202. Before WSDOT can install new speed limit signage, both cities were required to approve municipal code ordinance amendments.
On July 8, the Snoqualmie City Council approved the Ordinance amending SMC 10.12.030(A)(4). “The Snoqualmie City Council unanimously agreed on this needed speed limit reduction to protect local wildlife and increase public safety,” said Mayor Katherine Ross. “I commend our Council for taking this important action.”
On July 16, the North Bend City Council unanimously approved the Ordinance amending NBMC 10.12.010(B). “Councilmembers shared a wide range of viewpoints and solutions to increase safety on this stretch of road. We all agree that lowering the speed limit and increasing our drive time by about 10 seconds in the name of public safety is a worthy commitment,” commented Mayor Miller.
The Cities of North Bend and Snoqualmie anticipate WSDOT will install new speed limit signage on this section of SR 202 in the coming months.
Sharen Marsall, President of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley Elk Management Group, stated, “We are pleased with the state’s decision to lower the speed limit on SR202, accompanied by the ELK WARNING signs that will be placed over the next twelve weeks. It has been part of our mission since inception to make it safer for both the community and the elk.”
Even with the speed reduction, drivers are encouraged to use caution on SR 202. This stretch of road is often foggy, and elk are sometimes difficult to see. Drivers may be taken by surprise when an elk—or multiple elk—enter the roadway for crossing.
Additional Resources
- Learn more about our local elk population by visiting the Upper Snoqualmie Valley Elk Management Group website.
- View North Bend City Council Agenda Bill AB24-067 by referring to page 247 of the July 16, 2024, Council Packet, and view the video recording of the Council meeting by visiting the Media Center at http://www.northbendwa.gov/(discussion begins at approximately 51 minutes in).
- View Snoqualmie City Council Agenda Bill AB24-078 by referring to page 77 of the July 8, 2024, Council Packet, and view the Council meeting by visiting their YouTube page (discussion begins at approximately one hour, 52 minutes in).
The collaboration between the cities of North Bend and Snoqualmie, along with the support from local organizations and the state, highlights a community dedicated to enhancing safety for both its residents and local wildlife.
The speed limit reduction on SR 202 is a significant step towards reducing accidents and preserving the unique natural habitat of the Snoqualmie Valley elk. As the new signs go up and drivers adapt to the changes, the hope is for a safer, more harmonious coexistence between humans and the majestic elk that roam this beautiful region.
