Plan for potential delays on Stevens Pass into September

Information released by Washington State Department of Transportation

Trips across Stevens Pass on US 2 may take a little longer later due to summertime avalanche prep work beginning as soon as Thursday, Aug. 15.  Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation are building a berm to deflect snow slides away from the highway near Tunnel Creek, west of the summit. Most of this work is above the roadway, however, intermittent daytime closures of up to 30 minutes may be needed for rock blasting.

Blasting work would will be infrequent during daytime hours depending on conditions through September. During the closures WSDOT’s contractor, Strider Construction, will hold eastbound traffic just past milepost 59, east of the junction with Old Cascade Highway; westbound traffic will be stopped at the summit of Stevens Pass.

It is unlikely that any materials from the blasting will reach the roadway, but this precaution is necessary for the safety of the contractor and the traveling public. Recreationalists should check the latest alerts from United States Forest Service before venturing off the highway. The work is expected to be complete next month.