Repair work on Chumstick Highway further postponed by winter weather

LEAVENWORTH — Pavement repairs scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 7 and 8, on Chumstick Highway have been paused due to adverse winter conditions. Work will be rescheduled as weather allows.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said snow and ice accumulation would not only prevent paving, but create challenging conditions for flagging traffic. The repairs were initially scheduled to be completed over Jan. 5 and 6. However, work was delayed due to equipment issues at the contractor’s asphalt plant, according to WSDOT.

Chumstick Highway is a detour for US-2 through Tumwater Canyon, which is currently closed from Coles Corner (milepost 85) to Leavenworth (milepost 99). According to Chelan County Public Information Officer Jill FitzSimmons, WSDOT assumes responsibility for Chumstick Highway, including repair work and snow removal, when Tumwater Canyon is closed to traffic.

WSDOT started repairs to the section of US-2 in Tumwater Canyon on Dec. 23. Other sections of US-2 have reopened after sustaining significant storm damage in mid-December, allowing through-traffic over Stevens Pass. However, pilot-car operations remain in place for 5 miles east of the summit (mileposts 66 to 71) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Overnight closures are intended to expedite emergency repairs.

In a social media post, Chelan County Public Works reminded travelers that over 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight (gvw) are restricted from using the Chumstick Highway detour. Exceptions are made for trucks making local deliveries or are contracted by WSDOT for its emergency repairs.

Travelers should expect delays as Chumstick Highway is a rural county road with lower speeds, bridge restrictions and longer travel times. For update to date travel conditions, check WSDOT’s real time travel map.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media