The stretch of Highway 2 between Skykomish and Stevens Pass, known to Washington travelers for its picturesque but often treacherous road conditions, has reopened as of this morning - beating the original scheduled reopening date by three days. This early recovery is thanks to a combination of diligent work from crews and favorable weather conditions. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) informed the public about the resumed accessibility starting at 6 a.m., with the aid of a pilot car guiding vehicles through a critical five-mile section, to ensure driver safety amidst ongoing construction efforts.
As a key route for both local transit and access to the popular Stevens Pass Ski Resort, the closure of Highway 2 had severe economic repercussions for regional businesses. Skykomish Mayor Henry Sladek, for instance, reported an 80 to 90% revenue plunge at his inn, while Glenn Edburn of LouSkis Deli suffered around a 60% loss. Despite these downturns, both were moved by the support of out-of-towners. "We thank you for your support," Edburn said, his voice strained with emotion, in an interview given to MyNorthwest.
The devastation that led to the highway's closure was not minor; flooding in December had resulted in overwhelmed roads, and landslides burying swathes of asphalt, prompting an unavoidable shutdown. WSDOT crews have been working relentlessly to repair the damage - not only clearing debris but also shoring up infrastructure like the now-safe-for-vehicles bridge at milepost 54, which was previously hidden beneath five feet of debris, as reported by WSDOT Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith to KOMO News.
However, despite this headway, Governor Bob Ferguson has indicated that a full restoration of Highway 2 could still be months away, given the sheer scale of the damage inflicted by the floods. Sections of the Tumwater Canyon segment of Highway 2, for example, were completely obliterated and will require extensive reconstruction works. "It's still going to be, I think it's fair to say, months, that is a certainty, before the highway is restored to what it was before this natural disaster," Ferguson remarked in a statement obtained by MyNorthwest. Even as the road reopens, WSDOT is guiding drivers to consider alternative routes such as I-90 Snoqualmie Pass, and to prepare for typical winter travel conditions.
The reestablishment of traffic through this vital connection holds significance beyond the mere movement of cars and trucks; it represents a lifeline for towns like Skykomish, where local economies have been hit hard by the road's absence. While the initial closure of Highway 2 since December 10 has been disruptive, it seems that with continued caution and ongoing work, a semblance of normalcy may be on the horizon for commuters, residents, and business owners alike. Meanwhile, WSDOT continues to remind travelers through their announcements, including one to KING 5, that drivers should respect the signage and follow the guidance of the pilot car operations up until the highway's complete recuperation.
