Great news for travelers and commuters alike: Highway 2 between Skykomish and Stevens Pass is reopening ahead of schedule, bringing a sigh of relief to those affected by its prolonged closure. But here's where it gets interesting—this reopening comes with a few surprises and some important details you won't want to miss.
SKYKOMISH, Wash. — In a welcome update, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced Wednesday that Highway 2 will reopen Thursday morning, earlier than initially planned. This follows the devastating December floods that caused massive damage and disruptions.
And this is the part most people miss: The swift reopening is thanks to crews working tirelessly, aided by unusually mild weather, to clear debris and repair two major washouts near milepost 54, just east of Skykomish. Originally, state officials had targeted Sunday for the reopening, but progress outpaced expectations.
Starting at 6 a.m. Thursday, a pilot car will guide traffic through a 5-mile stretch east of the summit, between mileposts 66 and 71, on a daily basis. However, here’s the controversial part: WSDOT explicitly advises against using Highway 2 for cross-state travel. Instead, travelers are urged to take alternate routes like I-90 Snoqualmie Pass, US 97 Blewett Pass, or State Route 28 through Quincy. This recommendation has sparked debates among locals and frequent travelers—is it an overcautionary measure, or a necessary safety precaution?
Meanwhile, Tumwater Canyon along US 2 remains closed from east of Coles Corner to Leavenworth, with repairs ongoing since December 23. The designated detour, Chumstick Highway, is a rural route with slower speeds and bridge restrictions, which could significantly extend travel times.
WSDOT emphasizes the importance of following all signage and pilot car instructions, and reminds drivers that access over Stevens Pass is still weather-dependent. Winter travel conditions persist, and the pass could close abruptly due to spinouts, collisions, or avalanche control activities.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With Highway 2 reopening but not recommended for long-distance travel, how will this impact local businesses and commuters? And do you think WSDOT’s caution is justified, or are they being overly conservative? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective!
