WSDOT Highway Closure and Repair Updates Across Washington State

Key Takeaways

• The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has issued updates on several highway closures across the state, including US 2, I-90, State Route 20, and State Route 9.
• The largest highway closure is on US 2 between Skykomish and Leavenworth, which is expected to take months to repair.
• Emergency repairs are underway on I-90 in North Bend, with an expected completion time of several weeks.
• State Route 20 is closed for the winter season, but repairs are expected to begin soon, with a completion time of 30 days.
• State Route 9 in Snohomish has a damaged section that will need to be repaired, with no estimated time to reopen.

Introduction to Highway Closures
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has issued updates on several highway closures across the state, leaving many drivers to navigate alternative routes. The closures are a result of the recent atmospheric river storms that brought historic levels of precipitation and high winds to the state. The storms caused mudslides, washouts, and downed trees, making many roads inaccessible to drivers. In this article, we will explore the current state of the highway closures and the expected repair times.

US 2 Closure
The largest highway closure is on US 2 between Skykomish and Leavenworth, a 49-mile stretch that is currently inaccessible to drivers. The road has been damaged by multiple mudslides, washouts, and downed trees, and an emergency contract is being worked out to start repairing a 12-mile section of the road between mileposts 58 and 70, over Stevens Pass. The repairs will include stabilizing the roadway, repairing drainage, and removing large amounts of debris. However, WSDOT has not given an estimated time to reopen this stretch, as work has yet to begin. Earlier estimates stated that it would take months before the entire highway reopens.

I-90 Repairs
In addition to the US 2 closure, WSDOT is also working on repairs to I-90 in North Bend. Recent storms washed away a section of ground beneath eastbound I-90 at milepost 36, prompting WSDOT to close the two right lanes at the scene. Contractors have begun stabilizing the slope beneath the freeway, near the North Fork Snoqualmie River, and drivers can expect to see a concrete barrier dividing the work zone from the travel lanes. The project is expected to last several weeks before it’s complete.

State Route 20 Closure
State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Scenic Highway, was washed out during recent storms west of Winthrop. Although the impact is minimal, as this section was already closed for the winter, repairs will still need to be made before it reopens in the spring. Some of the work will begin now, during the season closure, including clearing debris, repairing drainage and the roadway, and redirecting the Little Boulder Creek, which flooded over the highway. The project is expected to take 30 days, and WSDOT has asked the public to avoid recreational use between mileposts 171 and 184 during this period for their safety.

State Route 9 Damage
A stretch of State Route 9 through the city of Snohomish was closed for a few days when the first atmospheric river moved through western Washington. Although the road was reopened once the waters receded, one lane remains closed on southbound SR 9, near Marsh Road. WSDOT has announced that a 500-foot section of the left lane is damaged and will need to be repaired. However, there is no estimated time to reopen, and no confirmation on when repairs will begin.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent atmospheric river storms have caused significant damage to several highways across Washington state, leaving many drivers to navigate alternative routes. While repairs are underway on some highways, such as I-90 and State Route 20, others, like US 2, will take months to repair. Drivers are advised to check for updates on road closures and plan their routes accordingly to avoid delays and ensure their safety. As the repair work continues, it is essential to be patient and flexible when traveling through the affected areas.