SR 20 North Cascades Highway reopens

April 3, 2015

Photo at right: A bicyclist pauses on the North Cascades Highway west of Winthrop on May 4, 2014. Photo courtesy of Methow Valley Sport Trails Association

After just three weeks, among the shortest reopening efforts in the North Cascades Highway’s 42-year history, Washington State Department of Transportation crews swung open the gates to traffic at 10 a.m. Friday, April 3.

Crews began the clearing process on State Route 20 on March 16. Last year it took crews nearly six weeks to clear the highway. The earliest opening ever was on March 10, 2005, but two weeks later snow closed the highway for another 10 days, reopening again on April 4. There was one year, 1977, when the highway never closed due to a drought.

“We all live up here and know it’s important for local businesses to have the highway open as soon as it’s safe,” said Don Becker, WSDOT Maintenance Supervisor.

The mid-morning reopening allowed the crew to sweep the 37-mile closure zone for rocks and debris, clear any snow below avalanche chutes and apply sand or deicer as needed. While the highway is open, drivers still should be prepared for winter driving conditions, and should carry chains or approved traction devices.

For more information, including a history of opening and closing dates, maps, photos and progress reports on the 2015 opening, visit the North Cascades web page:

www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/northcascades