US-2 west of Stevens Pass to open following storm-related closures

STEVENS PASS — Another section of U.S. Highway 2 will open on Jan. 4, allowing through traffic over Stevens Pass.

After inspecting the highway’s condition on Tuesday, Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced that US-2 would reopen from Skykomish (milepost 50) to Stevens Pass Ski Resort (milepost 64) in both directions.

“So from here in Skykomish all the way to Stevens Pass will open, all lanes, no restrictions whatsoever,” said Governor Bob Ferguson.

In mid-December, WSDOT closed US-2 from milepost 99 in Leavenworth to milepost 50 in Skykomish due to storm-related damage in multiple locations, such as mudslides and washouts.

On Dec. 29, a section of highway east of Stevens Pass reopened, with some restrictions, from Coles Corner (milepost 85) to Stevens Pass Ski Resort (milepost 64). However, the closure from Skykomish to Stevens Pass effectively cut off travel to and from the west side of the pass, forcing travelers to use longer alternatives. The detour impacted businesses located along US-2, including Stevens Pass Ski Resort.

While the highway west of Stevens Pass will now see unrestricted access, travel east of Stevens Pass is still limited. From Stevens Pass Ski Resort to Coles Corner (milepost 64 to milepost 85), the highway is only open for daytime travel from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. During those hours, a pilot car is guiding alternating one-way traffic in each direction from Stevens Pass to Mill Creek Road (milepost 64 to 71). Travelers should expect delays, as this stretch of highway is still an active work zone.

Tumwater Canyon, a section of US-2 that stretches from Leavenworth (milepost 99) to just before Coles Corner, is expected to be closed through mid-March, according to WSDOT. From Leavenworth, travelers can use Chumstick Highway as a detour, using Beaver Valley Road and SR-207 to connect to US-2 at Coles Corner.

“We know how important US 2 access is for the success and vitality of communities and businesses and we are pleased that the quick work from our maintenance crews, inspectors and our contractor will allow us to open the road in a limited capacity,” said Brian Nielsen, WSDOT Northwest Region administrator, in a press release. “We will continue to repair the damage along US 2 from this historic storm.”

WSDOT recommends cross-state travelers consider still using I-90 or US-12 when possible. Contractor crews are continuing repair work on the east side of Stevens Pass; WSDOT asks that travelers adjust to conditions, including following all signs and directions, planning ahead for winter weather, expecting delays, and not passing the pilot car or cutting the queue. Live travel updates can be found on WSDOT’s real-time travel map.

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