Crews make use of loaders and excavators to clear slides on North Cascades Hwy

information released

Hello fellow North Cascades enthusiasts,

Second week of spring clearing

Crews have reached Liberty Bells slide at milepost 163.2 on the second week of spring clearing of State Route 20 North Cascades Highway. From the supervisor report: CR-12 slide was extremely dirty and rocky, requiring significant loader and excavator work through the slide area.

While snow levels are lower than normal, depth is climbing quick as the crew gains elevation, meaning the pace is slowing a bit as the team presses west.

Active work zone Monday-Thursday

The area behind the closure points is a work zone Monday through Thursday, from 6 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Any changes to the schedule will be shared on the real time travel map.

Please respect working hours to ensure crews can expedite clearing operations safely. The team works hard to ensure roads are safe and accessible for all to travel and we ask that you do your part. Plan ahead, stay alert and always respect traffic control and closure points.

Keep in mind the road is otherwise unmaintained and there is no cell service on the passes. If you do choose to visit the back country on the weekends, be sure to check in on conditions with the Northwest Avalanche Center.

Westside repairs are planned

The road remains closed on the westside at milepost 130 due to rockslide. East of that, multiple washouts have been identified for repairs between milepost 143-146. The rockslide must be cleared before work can start on the washouts. There is currently no estimated time to reopen.

Snowslide behind closure on State Route 20 North Cascades Highway —   This slide is tall enough that crews will need to knock it down with a sno cat or dozer before the blower can move the snow. WSDOT photo

We understand the importance of the North Cascades Highway to the community and will continue to share updates as they develop. In the meantime, check in on Flickr to follow along with crews working on one of the prettiest work zones in the world.

Safe travels and have a good weekend-
Lauren Loebsack, communications 509-667-2815
North Central Region-Wenatchee