Highway 2 Closure to Last Several Months

Key Takeaways

• A 49-mile portion of Highway 2 between Skykomish and Leavenworth is closed due to damage from an atmospheric river
• The closure is expected to last for "months" according to Gov. Bob Ferguson
• The highway has been severely damaged, with areas completely washed out and a bridge covered in debris
• The closure is expected to have significant implications for businesses and individuals in the area, particularly during the peak winter season
• Crews are working to assess and repair the damage, but the timeline for reopening the highway is uncertain

Introduction to the Closure
The recent closure of Highway 2 between Skykomish and Leavenworth has left many in the area concerned about the impact on businesses and daily life. According to Gov. Bob Ferguson, the closure is expected to last for "months," with the exact timeline uncertain due to the severity of the damage. The closure stretches for approximately 49 miles, with state Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith noting that there are areas where the road is completely washed out and will need to be rebuilt.

Assessing the Damage
The damage to the highway is extensive, with a bridge at Milepost 54 covered in several feet of debris. Additionally, there is an active slide area near Tumwater Canyon, where erosion is occurring. The highway was initially closed on December 10 due to mud, water, and debris covering the road in multiple locations. While it was partially reopened the following day, the section between Skykomish and Leavenworth remains closed due to the significant damage. Gov. Ferguson emphasized that the closure is a major issue, stating that "it’s literally underwater at some stages – there are major major issues on that highway."

Impact on the Community
The closure is having a significant impact on the community, particularly in Leavenworth, which was hit hard by the storm. Widespread power outages were reported, forcing the town to temporarily suspend its winter festivities. The Village of Lights, a popular winter event, was able to return this week, but business owners are still concerned about the impact on revenue. December is typically the most profitable month of the year for businesses in the area, and the closure of the highway is expected to have a significant impact on their bottom line. Business owners who spoke to KING 5 expressed their concerns about the closure, highlighting the importance of the highway to their livelihoods.

Repair Efforts
Crews are working to assess and repair the damage to the highway, but the timeline for reopening is uncertain. Gov. Ferguson emphasized that the state will do everything possible to repair the highway as quickly as possible, but the extent of the damage is significant. The fact that the highway is "literally underwater at some stages" highlights the complexity of the repair efforts. As the situation continues to develop, it is likely that the state will provide updates on the progress of the repairs and the expected timeline for reopening the highway.

Conclusion
The closure of Highway 2 between Skykomish and Leavenworth is a significant issue for the community, with far-reaching implications for businesses and individuals. The extent of the damage is severe, and the timeline for reopening the highway is uncertain. As the state works to assess and repair the damage, it is essential to prioritize the safety of the highway and ensure that it is reopened as soon as possible. In the meantime, business owners and residents will need to adapt to the closure and find alternative routes, highlighting the importance of community resilience and support during this challenging time.