Highway 2 reopens through Tumwater Canyon

LEAVENWORTH — U.S. Highway 2 through Tumwater Canyon reopened to full two-way traffic at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 10, restoring one of Washington’s most important east-west corridors nearly a month ahead of schedule.

The reopening ends a nearly two-month closure triggered by historic December flooding that damaged multiple sections of roadway between Skykomish and Leavenworth. The canyon stretch is not just a scenic route — it is a freight artery, a commuter link and, in winter, a lifeline for communities on both sides of the Cascades.

Washington State Department of Transportation crews, working alongside contractor Pipkin Construction, completed emergency repairs that included rebuilding washed-out roadway segments, stabilizing slopes, clearing debris and restoring drainage systems. Officials said the work was finished roughly a month earlier than anticipated.

“This is a huge relief for the people and businesses that rely on Highway 2 every day,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a statement. “WSDOT crews and contractors worked tirelessly to repair the damage as quickly and safely as possible. I’m grateful for their dedication and the patience of travelers and local communities during the closure.”

WSDOT Secretary Julie Meredith emphasized the broader regional importance of the route.

“This reopening is welcome news for the region,” Meredith said. “Highway 2 is a vital freight and travel route, and our crews worked around the clock to safely restore this connection. We know how important it is for communities on both sides of the mountains.”

For Leavenworth, the timing carries particular weight. The highway closure in early December cut off direct cross-state access during the height of winter tourism season, forcing travelers onto longer alternate routes and dampening visitor traffic during a period when local businesses typically see strong seasonal demand.

“We’re excited to welcome travelers back to Leavenworth via a fully reopened Highway 2, and for the huge boost of optimism and relief it brings to the region,” said Troy Campbell, executive director of the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. “This route is a lifeline for our community, and the Leavenworth Chamber and business community extend our heartfelt thanks to WSDOT for working so hard to get the highway open a month earlier than expected.”

The reopening also coincided with the Feb. 14 grand opening of the new Leavenworth Willkommen Center at 645 Front Street. Chamber officials said the expanded visitor center is designed to meet growing demand for in-person information and services, particularly now that full highway access has been restored.

WSDOT officials cautioned that while two-way traffic has resumed, additional permanent stabilization work is expected later this year to further reinforce the canyon corridor against future storm events. Travelers should also check mountain pass conditions before crossing.

For now, though, the sound most residents were waiting to hear has returned: steady traffic moving through Tumwater Canyon, reconnecting the valley to the west side and the rest of the state.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media