SKYKOMISH — A key bridge on US-2 near Skykomish has been cleared of debris and deemed structurally sound, allowing the western section of the route to reopen from Monroe to Stevens Pass starting January 4, Governor Bob Ferguson and Washington State Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith announced Tuesday. Repairs along a 49-mile stretch of US-2 are currently underway following back-to-back atmospheric rivers that hit Washington in mid-December.Â
The bridge at milepost 54 will open with all lanes available in both directions on Sunday, January 4, 2026, following round-the-clock efforts by crews to remove debris. The reopening restores travel along the west side of Stevens Pass for drivers coming from the Puget Sound region. Ferguson praised the workers for their nonstop efforts.
Restrictions persist on other segments of US-2. Between milepost 64 at the pass and milepost 71, single-lane traffic escorted by pilot cars will remain in place at least through January, with delays and sudden closures possible. The highway is open from milepost 71 to 85 near Coles Corner.
Tumwater Canyon, however, is closed after floodwaters washed away portions of the roadway. Reopening there is targeted for sometime between March and summer, contingent on weather and contractor progress. Travelers heading to Leavenworth from Coles Corner must use Chumstick Highway as a detour.
Secretary Meredith stressed that US-2 is not yet a viable cross-Cascades route. She recommended I-90 and US-97 for east-west trips, and urged motorists to follow road signs, prepare for winter driving, and anticipate slowdowns.
Gov. Ferguson has declared emergencies in more than a dozen counties, directing $3.5 million in state aid and activating relief programs. President Donald J Trump approved a federal emergency declaration on December 12, enabling 75% cost-share for protective measures like debris removal in affected counties. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued a public health emergency on Christmas Eve to streamline care access.
A federal disaster relief package will be submitted in coming weeks, Ferguson shared, followed by reviews from FEMA and the White House before funds reach the state, if approved. Residents with property damage are encouraged to document losses and submit claims.
During Tuesday’s presser, Gov. Ferguson honored Glenn Eburn, owner of LouSkis Deli, as Washingtonian of the Day for his resilience and positive attitude in uncertain times. Eburn said business has dropped 60 percent but expressed gratitude for donations from teachers and Crosswater Community Church in Sultan, as well as visitors driving in from the Puget Sound region just to support local shops.
Looking ahead, Ferguson plans a full review of the historic disaster—marked by record river levels—to identify infrastructure upgrades similar to those like the recent levees in Mount Vernon and Orting that mitigated flooding, something he prioritized in his $2.1 billion supplemental budget proposal on December 20.
🚨US-2 Bridge at MP 54 to Fully Reopen January 4, Tumwater Canyon Remains Closed Until At Least March
The bridge at milepost 54 near Skykomish is structurally sound after debris clearance; it will reopen with all lanes in both directions on Sunday, January 4, 2026. This allows… pic.twitter.com/VEsxC9CqjZ
Author: Mario Lotmore
