Dec 26- WSDOT Stevens Pass updates
- Andrea Hamilton
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Check the resort and links below for updates.
As posted on Fri, 12/26 approx. 2:30pm
BIG US 2 UPDATES! There's a lot here, so read all the way through:
- On Monday, Dec. 29, we'll reopen a portion of US 2 Stevens Pass to daylight pilot car operations. A pilot car will guide alternating one-way traffic between 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily between Stevens Pass Resort (MP 64) and Mill Creek Road (MP 71).
- This means that US 2 Stevens Pass will also reopen from MP 71 to Coles Corner (MP 85) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. This section will not have a pilot car.
- US 2 at Skykomish REMAINS CLOSED from MP 50 to MP 64. Work to clear debris from a bridge just east of Skykomish at MP 54 began Dec. 20. Crews are scheduled to inspect the bridge on Monday, Dec. 29, to see if it's possible to reopen it to traffic. Contractor crews are actively continuing to clear debris and are working with bridge inspectors, geotechnical engineers and other specialists to evaluate damage and develop repair plans. It if can reopen, it may include limited traffic through a single lane.
- US 2 at Tumwater Canyon REMAINS CLOSED from east of Coles Corner (MP 85) to Leavenworth (MP 99). Repairs started Dec. 23, and we expect it will remain closed through mid-March. The detour to access the open portion of US 2 is Chumstick Highway. This is a rural country road with lower speeds and bridge restrictions, so expect longer travel times.
Crews made enough progress clearing debris and stabilizing the roadway on US 2 Stevens Pass that this pilot car operation is possible. That said, this is still very much an active work zone. Please treat it as such. Follow the pilot car, follow the posted speed limit, and don't pull over to take pictures (or, worse, take photos while you're driving). We need your cooperation to make this work.
WSDOT Comment:
We're getting some early comments that we want to address head on: We open access as we can. That sometimes means opening in this limited way. Ultimately, our mission is to keep people and goods moving and communities connected. This isn't about benefitting a specific ski resort. That would be unethical and illegal. Just as we worked with Crystal Mountain and Mount Baker on access to their facilities, we are also working with Vail. This is also about access to the Leavenworth area and all the local businesses who rely on visitors this time of year.
We have been hustling to reopen roads - either partial or in full - these past two weeks following the flooding, including I-90 in North Bend, SR 410 in Enumclaw, and SR 167 near Kent and Auburn. This isn't anything we don't already do. Providing safe and reliable access for economic vitality is part of our mission statement.
"Greetings everyone,
It’s time to start the season – something I’ve wanted to say since the snow started to fall. Stevens Pass plans to officially open for skiing and riding on Monday, Dec. 29.
WSDOT announced today that road access will be partially restored from the East side starting Monday morning. We understand this still impacts our skiers and riders traveling from the East, and that those traveling from the West will still face significant challenges until access is restored, which we should know more about next week.
For our impacted Pass Holders, we anticipate sharing an update with you early next week on our plans to address the impact to your season.
In the meantime, please expect to hear from us over the weekend regarding Monday’s terrain offerings, what to expect driving up to the Pass, and more information leading up to opening day. Before then, we want to express our sincere appreciation for our staff, community partners and the teams working around the clock at WSDOT, Hurst Construction, Chelan County PUD, PSE & Granite Construction.
The snow has piled up, our power supply is holding steady, and our mountain and operational teams are ready to go. This is the first needed step on our path to returning to full operations for our community and our employees. Stay tuned for more details to follow, and we look forward to welcoming skiers and riders back to Stevens Pass on Monday.
With Gratitude,
Ellen"
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