Repairs delayed on Chumstick Highway due to faulty equipment, snowy conditions
Jan 6, 2026, 6:10 PM | Updated: Jan 7, 2026, 6:07 am
Damage along US 2 from severe flooding in western Washington in December. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
Pavement repairs along sections of the Chumstick Highway got underway on Monday morning as originally scheduled; however, crews ran into an issue early in the project.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported that the contractor had equipment issues at its asphalt plant, and plans came to a grinding halt.
The faulty equipment was expected to be repaired by Wednesday, when WSDOT planned to restart repairs at nine locations where the pavement is failing, but weather delayed the work once more.
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Chumstick Highway repairs delayed
Pavement repairs initially scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday on Chumstick Highway have been delayed due to snowy conditions on the road.
Work was set to begin at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 8, and continue through Thursday until all repairs are complete.
“Snow and ice accumulation prevents paving and creates challenging conditions for flagging traffic,” WSDOT stated. “Work will be rescheduled as weather allows.”
The Chumstick Highway is the detour route between Leavenworth and Coles Corner while US 2 remains closed through Tumwater Canyon due to severe storm damage that occurred in early December.
WSDOT reminds drivers that the Chumstick Highway is a rural route with narrow bridges and lower speed limits. Travel on US 2 westbound to Stevens Pass is only open between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. with alternating traffic led by a pilot car through a portion of the highway.
Eastbound US 2 is open 24/7 in both directions.
Nate Connors is a traffic reporter for KIRO Newsradio. Follow him on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here.
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