CHOKEPOINTS

US 2 to partially reopen Monday as crews work to repair widespread flood damage

Dec 26, 2025, 2:11 PM | Updated: 2:53 pm

US 2 emergency repairs...

A photo of the damage along US 2 near Skykomish. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation)

(Photo courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation)

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced some good news for those impacted by the Highway 2 closure.

Starting at 6 a.m. Monday, a 20-mile stretch of US 2 will reopen between Coles Corner and Stevens Pass, mileposts 85 to 64.

The final 7 to 8 miles near the summit will be reduced to one lane with a pilot car guiding traffic.

Ferguson noted individuals from Leavenworth will be able to access Stevens Pass, and Stevens Pass can open for skiing.

“We all understand how critical reopening Highway 2 is for residents of our cities and communities, for our economy, for the ski resort, and for travel across our state. We’re very, very mindful of that,” Ferguson said at a news conference Friday. “The team is working extremely hard to get opened as quickly as possible.”

Full reopening of US 2 will take time

However, Ferguson said a full opening of Highway 2 will take a long time.

“We’re still evaluating the full extent of the damage. Repairs like this, as you might imagine, are heavily dependent on the weather, and the weather this time of year, obviously, is not ideal. Some repairs will need to wait for the snow to clear in the mountains,” he said.

Nearly 50 miles of US 2 — from milepost 50 in Skykomish to milepost 99 in Leavenworth — closed due to rocks, trees, and mud scattered over the roadway following severe flooding in the region.

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith previously noted the roads on US 2 are “washed out,” meaning it could take months to rebuild.

During Friday’s news conference, Meredith said WSDOT estimates reopening at least one lane in both directions of the Tumwater Canyon section of US 2 in mid-to late March.

She said until then, the detour is through Chumstick Highway and State Route 207, which is around 22 miles and will add an extra 20 minutes of travel time.

“We ask that people traveling this route be alert, drive undistracted, and drive for the conditions that you experience on the highway. Be prepared for this additional delay,” Meredith added.

Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here.

Chokepoints

I-5 downtown seattle olive way...

Frank Sumrall

Four NB I-5 lanes blocked at Olive Way in downtown Seattle after Monday morning crash

Multiple northbound I-5 lanes are currently blocked at Olive Way in downtown Seattle after a crash occurred Monday morning.

27 minutes ago

federal way car chase...

KIRO 7 News Staff

1 dead, 3 hurt after car chase ends in crash near Federal Way

One person died, and three others were taken to the hospital Sunday morning because of a crash on I-5 near Federal Way.

2 hours ago

traffic weekend closure...

Paola Tristan Arruda, KIRO 7 News

Weekend traffic headaches ahead: Major closures planned on I-405, SR 520/Montlake, and SR 99

Drivers traveling around the Puget Sound region this weekend should prepare for yet another weekend of delays as several major road projects overlap across King County.

2 days ago

Puyallup railroad...

MyNorthwest Staff

Puyallup railroad crossing arms stuck in down position

The railroad crossing arms in downtown Puyallup are stuck in the down position.

3 days ago

military vehicle I-5 Tacoma...

Frank Sumrall

All lanes reopened after civilian car hits military vehicle on northbound I-5 near Tacoma Mall

A crash involving a military vehicle occurred on northbound I-5 in Tacoma Friday morning.

3 days ago

I-5 off-ramp DUI SR 18...

Frank Sumrall

Northbound I-5 off-ramp to SR 18 reopens after 4.5-hour DUI closure

The northbound I-5 off-ramp to eastbound SR 18 reopened Thursday morning after a single-car collision blocked the roadway for nearly 4.5 hours.

4 days ago

US 2 to partially reopen Monday as crews work to repair widespread flood damage