Oregon Public Broadcasting

Highways across Washington State are reopening as the floodwaters recede. 

Early Friday afternoon, one of the biggest blockages came unstuck.  Trucks are starting to move again on Interstate Five through Lewis County. 

Southwest region highway boss Don Wagner says the flooding from the Chehalis River drained away more quickly than anticipated.

Don Wagner: “I think that the weather is going to help us. It’s supposed to be dry as I understand it through the weekend. That will be a help, and the freezing level is coming way down, that too will help us”

The highway department is letting only trucks through at first.  I-5 is expected to reopen for cars later Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, another major headache is also resolving.  Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass has reopened in both directions after being closed for two days.