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Happy Thursday, fellow North Cascades enthusiasts,
Repair and prepare
Work this week in one of the prettiest work zones in the world included trimming trees, pothole repair, sweeping, and avalanche control. The mission didn't shake much loose, with no snow reaching the roadway. However, with snow in the forecast, the crew plans to keep the route closed over the weekend and check in on Monday to clean up. We are looking at reopening next week if conditions hold.
Can I bike the NCH before opening?
The road remains closed because there is the potential for snowy conditions this weekend, and our crews will not be plowing or treating the road behind the closure. There is no cell service on the mountain passes. If you plan to recreate behind the closure points (Ross Dam trailhead at milepost 134 to Silver Star gate at milepost 171), be prepared.
It's still a work zone during the week
Please do not enter the work zone when crews are scheduled to work (Monday-Thursday from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.). You may think "they are all done in there, I should be fine", but it's a serious safety risk. Next week is Work Zone Awareness week for our team here at WSDOT, and our crews are acutely aware of the risks and challenges of working on the road. As a communicator for my team, I try to make sure the public has a "no surprises" travel experience, and we need everyone on the road to be attentive to and respectful of road closures and work zone signage, and act accordingly.
When’s NCH opening?
We know how important the North Cross is to travel for the communities on either side of the North Cascades. With repairs mostly complete, the east side crew plans to clear and treat the road after the weekend, and we'll confirm the reopening plan with you all once the route has been reevaluated. When reopening day arrives, please remember that you are still driving through a mountain pass in early spring in the Pacific Northwest. Remember that even when the road is open, most National Park Service and United States Forest Service facilities remain closed.
Safe travels this season
Some use the North Cascades Highway to haul timber, to commute to medical appointments, or like fellow enthusiasts Linda and Dave, to just enjoy a trip through beautiful mountain passes. They have been married 63 years now, which means they've been able to make a trip over SR 20 North Cascades Highway every year since it opened in 1972. Thanks to Dave and Linda for sharing your story, by the way, and enjoy this year's drive. No matter the reason, be sure to check in on our real time travel map before you go. We have a limited window of time to complete important work on that route, so if you're going to be traveling the North Cross during the week, you can expect to encounter some sort of maintenance or construction. Nature still has a say with conditions as well- unfortunately we've experienced extended closures due to fire and mudslide in recent years that could put a wrench in your itinerary. Have a backup plan whenever possible.
Thanks for all the well wishes you send, I pass them along to the crew. For all of us who get to be a part of this project, it's one of our favorite things about spring. I've posted proof of it on this year's Flickr album.
Take care and safe travels,
Lauren Loebsack, communications, 509-667-2815
April 17, 2025
Hyperlinks within the release:
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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at wsdot.com/traffic.
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