Key Takeaways
- Governor Bob Ferguson announced that all lanes of Highway 2 between Skykomish and Stevens Pass will open in both directions, but with some restrictions, by Sunday.
- The reopening is not intended as a thru route over the pass, but will provide access to towns along the highway and the Stevens Pass Ski Resort.
- The highway will remain an active construction zone for months, with a single-lane piloted route in place through the end of January.
- The closure of Highway 2 has had significant impacts on communities on both sides of the mountains, particularly those that rely on winter tourism.
- A limited reopening of the highway from the east side began on Monday, allowing skiers and snowboarders to access Stevens Pass with a pilot car escort.
Introduction to the Highway 2 Reopening
Governor Bob Ferguson announced on Tuesday that state officials are working to have a path cleared to Stevens Pass by Sunday, with all lanes of Highway 2 opening between Skykomish and Stevens Pass in both directions. However, the reopening will come with some restrictions, and the highway will not be open 24 hours a day. This news comes as a welcome relief to communities on both sides of the mountains, which have been impacted by the closure of the highway since December 10.
The Current State of the Highway
The closure of Highway 2 was caused by mud, water, and debris damage in multiple locations, with some areas of the road completely washed out and in need of rebuilding. An inspector report released on Monday showed that a major bridge at milepost 54 is in "very good shape," despite being covered by several feet of debris. However, permanent work on the bridge will take place over the summer, according to Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith. The route between mileposts 64 and 71 will remain a single-lane piloted route through the end of January, and officials are warning that the highway will remain an active construction zone for months.
Impact of the Closure on Local Communities
The closure of Highway 2 has had significant impacts on communities on both sides of the mountains, particularly those that rely on winter tourism. The highway is an important winter corridor for the region, providing access to Stevens Pass Ski Resort and the town of Leavenworth, which relies heavily on winter tourism for revenue. The closure has forced skiers and snowboarders to find alternative routes, such as traveling across the mountains to Coles Corner before making their way back west to ski or snowboard. This has had a ripple effect on local businesses, which are struggling to stay afloat during the typically busy winter season.
Limited Reopening from the East
A limited reopening of the highway from the east side began on Monday, allowing skiers and snowboarders to access Stevens Pass with a pilot car escort. The pilot car is escorting vehicles the final seven miles to the summit, operating from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and depending on weather conditions. This limited reopening is expected to last about a month, after which the state hopes to open one lane of the road in each direction. A smaller stretch of Highway 2 between Index and Skykomish reopened on December 11, a day after the initial closure.
Future Plans for the Highway
While the reopening of Highway 2 is a welcome relief, officials are still encouraging people to use Interstate 90 to travel over the mountains. The route between Skykomish and Stevens Pass will not be open 24 hours a day, and the highway will remain an active construction zone for months. State officials are working to repair the highway as quickly as possible, but the extent of the damage means that it will be some time before the highway is fully restored. In the meantime, communities on both sides of the mountains will continue to feel the impacts of the closure, and will be watching closely as the situation develops.
Conclusion
The reopening of Highway 2 is a significant step forward for communities on both sides of the mountains, but it is only the beginning of a long process to fully restore the highway. With the highway remaining an active construction zone for months, and restrictions in place on the route between Skykomish and Stevens Pass, it will be some time before things return to normal. However, the limited reopening from the east and the planned reopening of the highway from the west are welcome developments, and will provide some relief to communities that have been impacted by the closure. As the situation continues to develop, it is likely that there will be further updates and changes to the plans for the highway, and it will be important for travelers and local residents to stay informed.