Literal logjam continues to cause problems at US 2 trestle near Everett
Oct 25, 2019, 8:44 AM | Updated: 9:36 am
(WSDOT Flickr)
Crews have been working to clear a literal logjam in the U.S. 2 trestle between Everett and Lake Stevens for days now, with no estimate for when work might finally be completed.
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The trestle was initially blocked due to heavy rain and flooding early on in the week that saw the Ebey Slough overflow. Since then, Washington State Department of Transportation crews have been working around the clock to clear logs and debris.
WSDOT brought in a crane, excavator, and boats to help. At times, boat crews used axes and chainsaws to break up the largest pieces.
People who live in the area stopped to watch the work.
“It’s almost addicting in a sense watching this, and they have done an amazing job,” nearby resident John Cannon told KIRO 7 TV.
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At one point, officials said logs lined up for about 200 yards.
Overnight work extending into the early morning has had the shoulder on U.S. 2 blocked as crews continue work. That work continued Friday morning.
⚠️US 2 trestle update: We're continuing to clear the logs and debris under the US 2 trestle in #Everett. No estimate on reopening, but we'll be taking the shoulder at least through the morning commute. Give us space to work. pic.twitter.com/44L3xNutqd
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) October 25, 2019
Because of environmental restrictions, crews have not been allowed to remove any natural material from the river, instead forcing them to be left in the waterway. For the logs WSDOT was allowed to take out, some were so thoroughly saturated with water that they were too heavy for cranes to lift at all.
At this point, it’s unclear when exactly work to clear the logjam will be completed.
KIRO 7 staff contributed to this report