Highway 2 has officially reopened between Skykomish and Stevens Pass, restoring crucial access for residents and travelers. The reopening, announced on Thursday, comes days ahead of schedule, providing a significant relief following weeks of closure due to severe weather and extensive road damage.
State officials had initially aimed for a Sunday reopening, but favorable weather conditions allowed crews to expedite repair work. This development is particularly important for communities along the route and for visitors heading to the Stevens Pass Ski Resort.
Key Takeaways
- Highway 2 west side access to Stevens Pass reopened on Thursday.
- The reopening is three days earlier than anticipated.
- A pilot car will guide traffic for a 5-mile stretch east of the summit during daytime hours.
- Access from the east side began earlier in the week with pilot car escorts.
- The highway remains an active construction zone for several months.
Restored Access Ahead of Schedule
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) confirmed the reopening, attributing the accelerated timeline to good weather. This allowed repair crews in Skykomish to complete debris clearing and critical repairs at two washout locations near the town.
Governor Bob Ferguson had previously indicated that all lanes would open between Skykomish and Stevens Pass. However, while access is restored, it is not yet a full 24-hour route.
Quick Facts
- Closure Date: December 10
- Cause: Mudslides, water, and debris damage
- Initial Reopening Target: Sunday
- Actual Reopening: Thursday
For a specific 5-mile stretch east of the summit, a pilot car will remain in operation. This guided passage will be active daily between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Travelers should anticipate minor delays during these hours.
Navigating the Route: What to Expect
The reopening from the west side primarily serves to provide access to local towns and the Stevens Pass Ski Resort. Officials are still recommending that those traveling over the mountains use Interstate 90 as their primary route for through travel.
"We are pleased to restore this vital connection for our communities and the ski resort," Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith stated. "While significant progress has been made, drivers should be aware that this remains an active construction zone."
The segment of Highway 2 between mileposts 66 and 71 will continue to operate as a single-lane piloted route. This arrangement is expected to last through the end of January. Drivers are advised to exercise caution and remain alert for ongoing construction activities for the foreseeable future.
Damage Assessment and Ongoing Repairs
Highway 2 has been closed since December 10 due to extensive damage. Mud, water, and debris impacted multiple sections of the road. In some areas, the highway was completely washed out, requiring significant rebuilding efforts.
An inspector's report released earlier in the week offered positive news regarding a major bridge at milepost 54. The report indicated the bridge is in "very good shape" despite being covered by several feet of debris. Permanent repair work on this structure is scheduled to take place over the summer months.
Background
Heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions in early December led to widespread mudslides and washouts along Highway 2, particularly affecting the stretch between Skykomish and Stevens Pass. This closure significantly disrupted travel and access to recreational areas, prompting an urgent response from state transportation agencies.
Earlier East Side Reopening
Prior to Thursday's full west-side reopening, a limited access route from the east side of the mountains began on Monday. This initial phase allowed skiers and snowboarders to reach Stevens Pass. A pilot car has been escorting vehicles to the summit from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with operations dependent on weather conditions.
This temporary eastern access required individuals with season passes in western Washington to travel across the mountains to Coles Corner before heading back west to the ski resort. The pilot car operation on the east side is projected to continue for approximately one month. Following this period, the state hopes to open one lane of the road in each direction.
A smaller section of Highway 2, specifically between Index and Skykomish, had reopened much earlier, on December 11, just one day after the initial widespread closure. This provided some immediate local relief.
Long-Term Outlook for Highway 2
While the reopening marks a crucial step toward normalcy, officials warn that the highway will remain an active construction zone for months. This means travelers should continue to expect potential delays and altered traffic patterns as crews work to complete permanent repairs and fully restore the integrity of the road.
The commitment to reopening the highway ahead of schedule highlights the importance of this route for both local residents and the regional economy, particularly for winter tourism at Stevens Pass.
