SR 970 begins at a diamond interchange with I-90 southeast of Cle Elum.[3] The highway travels northeast and crosses over a BNSF rail line before intersecting SR 903, another highway that travels into Downtown Cle Elum.[4][5] SR 970 turns southeast to intersect SR 903 Spur and continues out of Cle Elum and towards Teanaway, following the rail line and the Yakima River upstream.[5] The highway intersects SR 10 south of De Vere Field and continues as a two-lane roadway northeast following the Teanaway River to Virden, also known as Lauderdale Junction, where SR 970 ends at an intersection with US 97.[6]
Every year, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) conducts a series of surveys on its highways in the state to measure traffic volume. This is expressed in terms of annual average daily traffic (AADT), which is a measure of traffic volume for any average day of the year. In 2011, WSDOT calculated that between 2,800 and 5,600 vehicles per day used the highway, mostly in the Cle Elum area.[7] SR 970 is designated as a part of the National Highway System and as a Highway of Statewide Significance, which includes principal arterials that are needed to connect major communities in the state.[8][9][10]
An aerial image of SR 970's western terminus at I-90, including the intersection with SR 903 and SR 903 Spur, east of Cle Elum with shields superimposed onto the respective highways.
^Washington State Legislature (March 4, 1909). "Chapter 51: Providing for the Survey of Certain State Roads". Session Laws of the State of Washington (1909 ed.). Olympia, Washington: Washington State Legislature. p. 95. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
^Washington State Legislature (March 12, 1913). "Chapter 65: Classifying Public Highways". Session Laws of the State of Washington (1913 ed.). Olympia, Washington: Washington State Legislature. p. 221. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
^Washington State Legislature (March 19, 1923). "Chapter 185: Primary and Secondary State Highways". Session Laws of the State of Washington (1923 ed.). Olympia, Washington: Washington State Legislature. p. 628. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
^Washington State Legislature (March 17, 1937). "Chapter 190: Establishment of Primary State Highways". Session Laws of the State of Washington (1937 ed.). Olympia, Washington: Washington State Legislature. p. 934. Retrieved January 29, 2013.