Key Highlights
- Nearly 50 miles of US 2 are closed due to storm damage.
- The closure impacts local businesses and events in Leavenworth, Washington.
- Stevens Pass Ski Resort remains closed until conditions improve.
- State Route 167 is still closed between Highway 18 and 277th Street in Kent.
Storm-Induced Closures Impact Local Businesses and Travel
Nearly 50 miles of US 2 are currently closed due to storm damage, impacting local businesses and travel routes across western Washington. The road, which stretches from milepost 50 in Skykomish to milepost 99 in Leavenworth, is expected to remain closed for several months as crews work to rebuild washed-out sections.
According to WSDOT Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith, the road closure poses significant challenges. “Please never drive through standing water or debris slides,” she warned during a press conference on Tuesday. “If you can’t see the roadway, don’t go forward.” The closure also extends eastward from Stevens Pass, affecting travel between Coles Corner and Leavenworth.
Local Business Impact
Henry Sladek owns the 14-room Cascadia Inn in Skykomish. “We are completely empty, and we have been for the last week,” he said. The storm-induced closure has significantly affected his business, which relies on ski traffic during winter months as well as travelers heading to Leavenworth.
Leavenworth Mayor Carl Florea expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about future plans. “It definitely impacts us a great deal,” he told KIRO Newsradio. However, the mayor noted that downtown Leavenworth suffered minimal damage and is still accessible via Blewett Pass.
Stevens Pass Ski Resort’s Closure
The Stevens Pass Ski Resort has been closely coordinating with WSDOT to manage the ongoing closure of US 2. A spokesperson for the resort stated, “At this time, we still do not have the snow conditions needed to open the resort, but we are continuing work to prepare for winter operations when conditions permit.” The resort’s access remains limited as employees continue to return under WSDOT guidance.
State Route 167 Status
Meanwhile, State Route 167 between Highway 18 in Auburn and 277th Street in Kent is still closed. KIRO Newsradio traffic reporter Chris Sullivan reported that this closure has created significant delays on I-5, with travel times increasing by up to two hours.
Local Government Response
Florea met with local agencies including WSDOT and the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office to develop plans for managing the situation. “We’re working to keep things moving as much as possible,” he said, adding that Leavenworth’s Christmastown event was canceled last weekend but hopes to hold it this coming weekend.
This is a developing story. For up-to-date information on road closures and travel advisories, visit WSDOT’s live traffic map.