For those waiting to traverse the scenic US 2 Stevens Pass, there's a flicker of good news on the horizon. Starting Dec. 29, daytime pilot car operations will kick into gear, offering a guided journey through the heart of the once-impassable route. This stretch of the road, capsized by severe flooding that spurred mudslides and washouts, has been diligently cleared and stabilized by Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews since interventions began on Dec. 18.
According to an announcement from WSDOT, traveling through the active work zone, which spans from milepost 58 to 71, requires a dose of patience. The pilot cars are set to shepherd traffic from Coles Corner west to Stevens Pass Resort, with potential delays of up to 60 minutes. These operations, scheduled between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., are subject to the whims of weather and road conditions, with the road reverting to its closed status post-6 p.m. each evening.
Outside the narrow window of temporary access, the current closure remains steadfast west of the ski resort at milepost 64 to Skykomish at milepost 50. Progress is inching forward, though, as teams began clearing debris from a critical bridge east of Skykomish on Dec. 20. With an inspection booked for Dec. 29, the WSDOT aims to grasp the extent of damage and ponder the feasibility of reopening this vital lifeline. This concerted effort, chronicled by WSDOT, combines the expertise of bridge inspectors and geotechnical engineers, all hands steered towards repairing the ruptured pass.
However, the artery at Tumwater Canyon is still clamped shut, with the stretch from milepost 85 to 99 out of commission. Began Dec. 23, repairs to this segment demand deviation onto the Chumstick Highway detour, a less-traveled path with slower speeds and stricter bridge limits. Drivers anticipating transit through this region are advised to factor in additional travel time to accommodate this less direct route.
Commuters are encouraged to consult real-time updates provided by WSDOT via its mobile app or online travel map. Those eager to receive electronic notifications can sign up for email alerts to stay informed on the latest developments. As the region braces for pilots to navigate these storm-tossed roads anew, all eyes will be on the mountain passes, updates of which are diligently posted on WSDOT's dedicated webpage.
