Stevens Pass set to partially reopen

STEVENS PASS — A section of U.S. Highway 2 will reopen Monday for daytime use, with a pilot car, but other sections of the road remain closed. A detour will be available for people trying to access the east section of Highway 2 from Leavenworth. 

“Additionally, U.S. 2 at Tumwater Canyon remains closed from east of Coles Corner to Leavenworth. Repairs started Dec. 23. The detour is Chumstick Highway, a rural county road with lower speeds and bridge restrictions,” according to a press release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. “Drivers should plan for longer travel times on the Chumstick Highway detour.” 

Highway 2 between Coles Corner and the Stevens Pass Ski Resort will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., but will be closed at night, the WSDOT press release said. A pilot car will guide drivers through the area, with traffic alternating in opposite directions.  

Highway 2 was badly damaged during the heavy rains and floods that hit portions of Western Washington and Chelan County in early December. The storms washed out multiple sections of the road, including 14 miles west of the ski resort to Skykomish.  

“Work to clear debris from a bridge east of Skykomish started Dec. 20. An inspection of the bridge to assess damage so crews can determine if it is possible to reopen to traffic is scheduled for Dec. 29,” the WSDOT release said.