Snowy weather made a tough go of it this morning for motorists west and north of Ellensburg, Washington. Multiple vehicle pileups involving tractor trailer rigs halted traffic on Interstate 90 west of Ellensburg and U.S. Highway 97 over Blewett Pass.

Mike Westbay of the state Transportation Department says a semi wound up on its side on I-90 near Cle Elum, several other rigs jackknifed and passenger cars also were involved in collisions.

Westbound traffic was backed up for about three miles. Collisions involving semis also were reported on both sides of Blewett Pass. I-90 and U.S. 97 were both reopened by noon.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008