Those planning on driving through the scenic route of US 2 this summer should prepare for delays starting mid-July. Contractor crews, called upon by the Washington State Department of Transportation, will commence a slope stabilization project between Stevens Pass and Leavenworth, as reported earlier this month by WSDOT.
Running Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the work will particularly impact four sites known for frequent rockfall activity. For those counting hours on the road, certain stretches near Stevens Pass summit and Tumwater Canyon will see traffic reduced to a single lane, with flaggers controlling the flow. Starting July 21, travelers will have to adjust their summer itineraries to account for delays, as detailed by WSDOT.
The upcoming three-day closure of Tumwater Canyon, while necessary, is expected to cause significant travel disruptions. Passenger vehicles will be rerouted via Chumstick Highway, adding about 33 minutes to their trip. Freight traffic, however, will face a major 151-mile detour through US 97 over Blewett Pass, potentially adding nearly three hours. The exact timing of the closure depends on slope conditions and whether contractor crews can stay on schedule.
The closure dates for US 2 are not final but are expected between late July and early August. Travelers should watch for updates, as the schedule may change depending on slope conditions and progress of the work. For local residents and businesses, the detour could cause significant disruption beyond just inconvenience.
