Travel delays coming to Icicle Road in April due to repair project

LEAVENWORTH — Travelers planning to visit the Icicle River corridor recreation area near Leavenworth should prepare for significant travel delays beginning next month due to a major road repair project, officials announced Friday.

The repair work on Icicle Road #7600 will begin April 7 and continue through the end of June, affecting a one-mile stretch between mileposts 4 and 5. This section runs from the Snow Lakes Trailhead to Eightmile Campground, approximately 5 miles southwest of Leavenworth.

During weekdays, the road will be completely closed to non-emergency vehicles from 8 a.m. to noon and again from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. A midday window from noon to 1 p.m. will allow alternating one-way traffic, though motorists should expect delays of up to 20 minutes.

The road will remain open overnight on weekdays between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. and will have no restrictions on weekends.

"It's always best to check for alerts before you go on the Forest webpage or by calling the district office," said Wenatchee River District Ranger Erica Taecker. "The weekday closure will complicate travel to and from several trailheads, campgrounds, and private property in the Icicle River corridor."

The project, which includes road repairs and rockfall mitigation work, is being funded and implemented by the Federal Highways Administration in coordination with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Officials advise campers and hikers to plan accordingly and check for updates before traveling to the area. For more information, contact the Wenatchee River Ranger District at (509) 548-2550.