Crews Reach Liberty Bell Pathways during week 3

information released

Greetings fellow North Cascades enthusiasts,

Third week of clearing reached the LB pathways

By the end of the third week of eastside clearing, the D-8 was working on LB3 in the Liberty Bell avalanche pathways, with the blower finishing up on the LB1. The goal is to be through the Liberty Bells early next week. The crew wrapped up around milepost 163, still shy of the Washington Pass sign. On the west side, crews have cleared to milepost 157.

It’s a work zone behind the closure points Monday-Thursday

Our crews are working anywhere in the closure area (milepost 134 to 171), Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. For everyone’s safety, we need you to stay out of the area behind the closure points during the work week.

If you do plan to adventure into the back country this weekend, please check in with the Northwest Avalanche Center and remember there is no cell service in the mountains. Additionally, even though the road has been cleared of snow in some places, no repairs have been made, and conditions may be rough. Be prepared.

Bike day?

There is a persistent myth of a special bike day on North Cascades Highway before the road is opened to vehicles. We know that many look forward such an opportunity. The fact is that there is no bike day. When the road is ready to open, we open it to all vehicles. Sometimes the snow has been cleared but the road still needs repairs and so is not ready for traffic and it just so happens to be a day when crews are not scheduled to work. If that situation is likely, that will be confirmed first through this newsletter. Please always abide the work zone schedule Monday-Thursday and be mindful of potentially rough conditions.

Still no guess on an opening date

After clearing the Liberty Bell avalanche pathways, the eastside crew will still need to clear the summit of Washington Pass and meet the west side crew somewhere in Rainy Pass. Once the roadway is cleared, crews have pavement, signage, guardrail, drainage and ditching work to complete before the road is opened to traffic. Help us make the most of our working hours by staying clear of the area during the week so crews can safely clear.

Crews shared over a dozen great pics of their work clearing the highway on both east and west sides. Catch up on the progress in one of the prettiest work zones on Flickr.

Take care and safe travels,
Lauren Loebsack, communications, 509-667-2815