Headline: Snow Gone, but North Cascades Highway Remains Closed for Critical Infrastructure Repairs

Headline: Snow Gone, but North Cascades Highway Remains Closed for Critical Infrastructure Repairs

While snowplows have successfully cleared the seasonal accumulation from the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) says the road is not yet ready for travelers. Although crews from both sides of the pass have finally “met in the middle,” the highway will remain closed until significant damage caused by winter weather is addressed.+1

The primary obstacles to reopening are a series of washouts and a major rockslide that have left the pavement in rough condition. Specifically, crews are focusing on emergency repairs at Milepost 134, where a slide occurred, and a stretch between mileposts 142 and 146 that suffered washouts. Additionally, drainages still need to be cleared to prevent mudslides and runoff from further damaging the route during spring rains.+1

Maintenance teams are currently working four-day shifts to repair guardrails, signs, and the road surface. WSDOT has not yet provided an official reopening date, noting that safety remains the top priority before allowing vehicle traffic back onto the scenic mountain pass.