SKYKOMISH, Wa — State officials are working diligently to reopen Highway 2 access to Stevens Pass by Sunday, following a significant closure after December’s catastrophic flooding.
Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Tuesday that all lanes between Skykomish and Stevens Pass are expected to open in both directions, though the highway will not operate 24 hours a day and some restrictions will remain in place.
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The highway has been closed since Dec. 10 after mud, water, and debris severely damaged the road, with some sections completely washed out.
Initially, Ferguson had indicated on Dec. 16 that the highway might remain closed for months due to the extensive damage. A bridge east of Skykomish, particularly affected, required crews to clear feet of debris around Milepost 54 earlier this month.
The closure has significantly impacted communities on both sides of the mountains, as the highway serves as a crucial winter corridor. It provides access to the Stevens Pass Ski Resort and the town of Leavenworth, which depends heavily on winter tourism.
While the west side of the highway remains closed, a limited reopening began Monday, allowing skiers and snowboarders to access Stevens Pass from the east. A pilot car is escorting vehicles for the final seven miles to the summit, operating from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. This operation is expected to continue for about a month, after which the state hopes to open one lane in each direction.
RELATED | Stevens Pass reopens with limited access as Highway 2 experiences traffic delays
A smaller section of Highway 2 between Index and Skykomish reopened on Dec. 11, just a day after the initial closure. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Highway 2 is also closed at Tumwater Canyon from east of Coles Corner (milepost 85) to Leavenworth (milepost 99). Repairs started on Dec. 23. The detour is the Chumstick Highway, which is a rural county road with lower speeds and bridge restrictions, WSDOT said.
