STEVENS PASS, Wash. — As calls for boycotts and online displeasure from Stevens Pass Resort season pass holders simmered over the last few days, the Washington State Department of Transportation announced it has worked to partially open U.S. Highway 2 Monday, Dec. 29.
The move is specifically being made to allow limited daytime access to Stevens Pass Resort under pilot car operations while extensive flood damage keeps most of the highway closed, according WSDOT.
The reopening does not restore US 2 as a through-route across the Cascade Mountains, as right now only I-90 and White Pass are the only cross-state routes open.
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Limited Reopening Focused on Stevens Pass Access
Beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, traffic will be allowed from Coles Corner west to Stevens Pass Resort under pilot car control. Drivers will be escorted through approximately eight miles of roadway within an active construction zone, with traffic alternating one direction at a time.
WSDOT says motorists should expect delays of up to 60 minutes or longer depending on weather, traffic volume, and construction conditions.
Pilot car operations will run daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. As conditions allow, the highway will return to a full closure each night after 6 p.m.
Transportation officials emphasized that this limited reopening is intended to support ski season access and essential travel to the resort.
Most of US 2 Remains Closed Due to Flood Damage
Large portions of US 2 remain closed following severe flooding earlier this month that triggered mudslides, washouts, and structural concerns along nearly 50 miles of roadway.
Closed sections include:
Skykomish to west of Stevens Pass
Several locations near the Stevens Pass summit
Tumwater Canyon between Coles Corner and Leavenworth
A damaged bridge east of Skykomish is scheduled for inspection Monday, Dec. 29. WSDOT crews are continuing debris removal while engineers evaluate whether limited traffic operations may be possible in that area. No reopening timeline has been announced.
Why Full Reopening Could Still Take Months
Gov. Bob Ferguson previously warned that Highway 2 could remain closed for months, a statement that applies to the full restoration of the highway, not temporary or conditional access.
WSDOT has not provided a date for reopening US 2 as a continuous east-west route. Officials say long-term repairs will require bridge inspections, geotechnical stabilization, and reconstruction in multiple locations.
Detours Still Required for Through Travel
US 2 remains closed in Tumwater Canyon east of Coles Corner. Drivers traveling between central and western Washington must continue using the Chumstick Highway detour, a rural county road with lower speed limits and bridge restrictions. Travelers should plan for longer drive times.
What Drivers Should Know Before Traveling
US 2 is not fully open over Stevens Pass
Access is limited to daytime pilot car operations only
Expect significant delays
Conditions may change due to weather or construction needs
WSDOT advises drivers to check road conditions before departing and to plan for extended travel times during the reopening period.
