The iconic North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) will open later than usual in 2026 as repairs continue

Each year, people across Washington look forward to the reopening of the North Cascades Highway. It’s more than just a road; for many it’s a seasonal, scenic destination and an important link for communities and businesses on both sides of the Cascades.

This year, that reopening will take longer than any of us would like.

SR 20/North Cascades Highways remains closed after it suffered significant damage over the winter.

What you need to know

• SR 20 remains closed due to significant damage from winter storms and a spring rockslide.
• Beginning Thursday, April 30, we will open limited access on the east side up to milepost 156.8 at Porcupine Creek with a closure at the gate to the west.
• We do not yet have a timeline for fully reopening the highway.

This partial opening allows people to access more of the corridor from the east while keeping the active work zone between mileposts 156 and 130 closed for safety.

SR 20 remains closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Porcupine Creek (milepost 156) while repairs are made to the North Cascades Highway.

What happened

This winter brought a series of historic atmospheric river events that caused major damage to the roadway. In December 2025, heavy runoff overwhelmed culverts near milepost 145, sending water across and beneath the highway. That erosion undermined sections of pavement and crews discovered that in some places, the roadway is no longer supported underneath.

In March, a separate rockslide near milepost 131 covered the roadway and left the slope above the highway unstable.

Together, these events created multiple, complex repair locations across several miles of SR 20.

Why this work takes time

We’ve heard the frustration and the concern that this highway isn’t being prioritized. We know people have seen us move quickly on other highway repairs across the state, and that can make this situation feel different.

The reality is that every incident is different, and every repair comes with its own set of conditions. In some cases, we’re able to use emergency contracting methods that allow work to begin immediately and be completed in a short window. Those are typically situations where repairs can be done in 30 working days or less.

The good news is, we can utilize a 30-day emergency contract to stabilize the slope and clear debris from the rockslide at milepost 131. By splitting the SR 20 repairs into two parts, we can select a contractor and get started on that work the week of May 4.

The unfortunate news, is the second part of the repairs between milesposts 142 and 148 is not one of those situations. Damage here includes:

• Three locations where the embankment supporting the roadway needs to be rebuilt
• More than 1,000 feet of lane that has been undermined or collapsed
• One to 2 miles of damaged or collapsed asphalt shoulder
• Two to 3 miles of ditch line that needs to be repaired
• More than 1,000 feet of damaged guardrail and/or concrete barrier
• Approximately 15 culverts that are damaged or covered by debris
• Several places where specialty crews must scale the slope to remove loose hanging rock that it at risk of coming loose and falling

A March 17 rock slide near milepost 131 forced SR 20 to be closed in both direction near Colonial Creek Campground. Slope stabilization and debris clearing are expected to begin in this area shortly.

Given the extent of damage, this work cannot be completed within 30 days, even if crews were working around the clock. Because of that, we are required to use a different contracting approach, which includes developing plans and allowing contractors to bid on the work.

From there, the work itself includes rebuilding sections of roadway where the ground beneath the pavement has washed away, stabilizing more slopes above the highway, repairing drainage systems and replacing damaged barriers and guardrail.

There are also factors that influence how quickly we can move:

• Federal funding requirements: Many large repairs like this rely on federal funding, which requires environmental review, documentation and specific contracting processes.
• Permitting: Work in and around streams and sensitive areas requires permits and coordination before construction can begin.
• Access and conditions: Winter weather and avalanche risk delayed access to the site, limiting early assessment and design work at some of the damaged areas.

Across Washington, we’ve invested tens of millions of dollars repairing highways damaged by recent flooding events. SR 20 is part of that larger effort, and we are working to move this project forward as quickly as we can while meeting those requirements.

Winter weather and avalanche risk prevented access to the washout areas along SR 20 between mileposts 142 and 146 until mid-March, but our engineers have been busy assessing the area and designing repairs since.

A note about environmental review — and why it matters here

You may hear us reference environmental review as part of this work. That includes a federal law called the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA.

In simple terms, NEPA requires us to take a close look at how a project might affect nearby streams, wildlife and surrounding lands, especially when federal funding is involved.

And on SR 20, that matters. This corridor runs through one of the most scenic and environmentally sensitive areas in Washington. The same things that make this drive so iconic, like the mountains, rivers, forests and wildlife, are also what require us to slow down and do this work thoughtfully.

Before we can begin repairs in certain areas, we need to evaluate impacts, coordinate with partner agencies and obtain the necessary permits and approvals. That work happens alongside engineering and design, but it does add steps.

It’s part of the responsibility that comes with maintaining a highway in a place like this, making sure we don’t just reopen the road, but protect the place that makes it worth the drive. Fortunately, we also can finish some of these steps over the next few weeks while crews are out scaling the slope and dislodging loose rocks near milepost 131.

By the time that work finishes, we’ll hopefully be ready to begin repairs further up the road.

The closed section of SR 20 includes unstable slopes, damaged roadway and areas where the ground beneath the pavement has been washed away. These conditions aren’t always visible from the surface.

Recreation impacts and what to expect

Recreation access along SR 20 was limited this winter due to the floods, and it will continue to be limited this spring and into early summer as repair work moves forward.

We also know one of the biggest questions people have is timing. Will it be open by Memorial Day? By my birthday? In time for the annual family roadtrip? The honest answer right now is: we don’t know yet.

We recently brought several contractors up to the site so they could see the full scope of the damage and ask questions before submitting bids. Once a contract is awarded, the work still will take several weeks to complete. And during that time, this will be an active construction zone.

The closed section of highway includes unstable slopes, damaged roadway and areas where the ground beneath the pavement has been washed away. These conditions aren’t always visible from the surface.

We also know it can be easy to look at a rockslide and think it’s just a matter of clearing debris off the road. In reality the visible rocks are often just one part of the problem. In several locations, culverts are damaged or blocked, drainage systems have failed, and sections of roadway are undermined beneath the pavement. Repairs go far beyond clearing what you can see. They require rebuilding the structure that supports the road itself.

Because of that, there is no safe way to allow access through the work zone. And that means no biking, hiking or camping in the closed section. These are complex, heavy construction operations in a narrow corridor, and there isn’t room to safely separate the public from the work.

Emergency access through this area is limited, and keeping the corridor clear allows construction crews and emergency responders to move quickly if needed.

Until that work is complete, this area remains closed so crews can do the job safely and fully, not just quickly.

Looking ahead

We understand how much this reopening matters. For many, it marks the start of summer. This year, the work behind the scenes is bigger than usual and so is the effort to get it done right. Our goal is the same as yours: reopen the North Cascades Highway as quickly as possible.

Smoother Sailing in Kingston: The New SR 104 Traffic Management System

By: Kurt Workman

If you’ve driven through Kingston on a summer weekend, you might know of the "Kingston Crawl." As the second busiest route in our system, moving nearly 4 million people a year, the line to board the Edmonds ferry can paralyze the heart of the village.

To tackle this gridlock, we’re launching the SR 104 Traffic Management System. This project uses smart technology to keep traffic moving, clear the downtown core, and address ferry line cutting.

Drivers approaching the ferry terminal should keep an eye out for this yellow advisory sign. If the attached lights are flashing, the ferry holding lane is active, and you must enter the ticketing lane.

How it Works

When lights are flashing on the overhead signs at SR 104 and Barber Cutoff Road, the system is active:

• Follow the signal: Ferry-bound traffic will follow the traffic signal into a designated lane.
• Take a pass: Stop at the automated dispenser and take your pass. If you leave the line after taking a pass, you will need to re-enter the line and take a new pass.
• Wait for Green: Once the system detects space at the terminal, your light will turn green. Proceed directly to the tollbooths.

By holding cars further back, we are reducing idling in the Village Center, improving air quality, and ensuring that local businesses remain accessible even on the busiest holiday weekends.

Rollout Schedule

We’re rolling this out in two phases:

1. The Trial Run –

• When: Every Saturday and Sunday in May, as well as Memorial Day, May 25.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Note: Drivers may or may not receive paper tickets during this phase, follow the direction of workers on site.

A worker demonstrating how to press the button on the kiosk to receive your ferry lane ticket.

2. Standard Operations

Beginning Monday, June 1, the system will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during these peak periods:

• Summer Season: Daily from Mother’s Day through Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
• Year-Round: Every Saturday and Sunday.
• Holidays: Daily during the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

A Collaborative Effort

This project is the result of a strong, ongoing partnership between WSDOT, Washington State Ferries, Kitsap County, Kitsap Transit, and the Port of Kingston. We are committed to monitoring the system closely and continuing our work with local partners to improve the quality of life and travel for everyone in Kingston.

She responded to a crash—and became part of it

By: Celeste Dimichina

When a crash happens on a Washington highway, our crew responds to help those involved and quickly reopen the highway.

Around 9:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 23, that’s exactly what happened when WSDOT Maintenance and Incident Response Technician Rachel Suitter was called to a crash on SR 504 in Castle Rock.

When crew arrived, they saw how serious the crash was, and they closed both directions of the highway. This gave first responders space to provide lifesaving medical attention and allowed Washington State Patrol to investigate.

After about five hours, the investigation was nearly complete. Rachel and her crew were standing by, ready and waiting to reopen the highway.

Then, in a matter of seconds, everything changed.

“I knew I was going to get hit.”

Rachel was sitting inside her truck, which was positioned for traffic control and to help provide a barrier of protection for those working the scene ahead, when a call came over the radio: a car was approaching fast.

Too fast.

“I looked in my mirrors and saw a truck come around the corner,” Rachel said. “It was fishtailing. I watched it for a few seconds … and I knew I was going to get hit.”

Following her training, she checked her seat belt, put her truck into drive to help reduce the impact, then she honked her horn to warn those who were at the scene.

Seconds later, the truck slammed into her.

But it didn’t stop there.

A chain reaction of chaos

After hitting Rachel’s truck, the driver—who later was charged with driving under the influence, vehicular assault, and reckless endangerment—lost a tire but kept going.

The vehicle hit a WSP patrol car on the shoulder. Then it crossed the highway and hit another patrol car, striking and seriously injuring the deputy coroner.

“It was just pure chaos,” Rachel said. “You go from wrapping up a crash to suddenly seeing more cars hit and more people get hurt. You feel helpless.”

Crash scene on SR 504 near Reynolds Road in Castle Rock, WA.

This didn’t have to happen

This crash could have been prevented.

Before reaching the crash site, the driver passed:

• Multiple “ROAD CLOSED” signs.
• WSDOT vehicles blocking the roadway with flashing lights.
• Emergency and law enforcement vehicles with flashing lights.
• Crew working on the scene.

“I don’t know what else we can do,” said Rachel. “There were signs, lights—everything. The driver should never have even made it that far.”

“We have families too”

For Rachel, the impact didn’t end when the crash was over.

Like many first responders and transportation workers, she went back to work soon after. But the experience stayed with her.

“You carry that with you,” she said. “It’ll never go away. I can still feel the impact and see the entire scene playing out in slow motion. I feel helpless all over again, and I feel angry.”

Rachel has worked for the state for more than 20 years. But she’s also a mom, a wife, and a caregiver.

“We have families too,” Rachel said. “At the start of every shift, I’m already thinking about getting back home. My kids, my husband and my elderly parent rely on me. When I get in my work truck, my family is on my mind. If something happens to me, my kids could lose their mom, my parent will lose a child, and my husband could lose his spouse. The public trusts us to keep the roads safe. We trust the public to make safe choices on the road.

Rachel poses with her husband and son in front of The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.

Rachel, left, hugs her son before heading to work.

Rachel, right, poses with her daughter during a family gathering.

Work zones are workplaces

When you drive through a work zone or a crash site, you’re driving through someone’s workplace.

“Our office is the road,” Rachel said. “People don’t always realize that. We don’t have cubicles or walls.”

Crews train year-round on safety and the risks they face. But there’s one thing they can’t control: drivers.

“We can’t prepare for someone who chooses to drive impaired,” she said. “And to be honest, we shouldn’t have to. Safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

A message we’ll keep repeating

Stories like Rachel’s matter because they’re preventable.

• There is no excuse. Never drive impaired!
• Plan ahead — use a ride share or a designated driver
• Slow down and move over — it’s the law!
• Stay alert in work zones.
• Follow signs and directions from crews and law enforcement.

These aren’t suggestions. Consistently following the rules of the road save lives.

The choice — and the consequences

Driving impaired is a choice.

If that choice leads to a crash, the effects don’t end at the scene. People can be seriously hurt, and families can be changed forever. First responders, crews and law enforcement carry that trauma for the rest of their lives.

Rachel will never forget that night.

Others may not make it back home at all.

Behind every orange vest is a real person whose life depends on the actions of the public. Every time you get behind the wheel, your choices matter more than you realize.

Rachel asks everyone traveling on every road, every day, “please help us get home.”

Rachel stands beside her WSDOT Incident Response Team truck before heading out to assist travelers.  

Earth Day, every day: How we’re protecting Washington’s environment together

By: Tina Werner, WSDOT maintenance communicator

Today is Earth Day (April 22), a time to celebrate our planet and reflect on the role we all play in protecting it. For us, Earth Day isn’t just a once-a-year moment. It’s built into the work we do every day. In fact, we launched our first Sustainability Action Plan on Earth Day 2019. This plan outlines how we’re protecting Washington’s environment for future generations. That commitment guides how we plan, build and maintain our transportation system.

Ecology crews collect trash along US 101 in Thurston County in April. Part of our commitment to protecting our planet is to plant native flowers and shrubs along the roadsides. Many restoration projects include site specific work that benefit pollinators.

The work you see (and the work you don’t)

When many people think of Earth Day, they might think of litter. And along our highways, it’s a very real issue. Our highway maintenance crews work with the departments of Ecology and Corrections and Adopt-A-Highway volunteers. Together, we work to keep roadsides clean, but it’s a constant struggle. Addressing this problem requires strong partnerships among state agencies, organizations and communities. The traveling public plays a crucial role too. The best solution is to stop litter from reaching roadways in the first place. By working together, we can keep Washington clean, safe and beautiful for everyone.

Litter cleanup is funded through a limited highway maintenance budget. That same budget also supports critical roadway operations and safety efforts. That includes things like:

• repairing damaged guardrails and potholes
• striping roads
• maintaining rest areas
• responding to snow and ice.

Generally, litter is not considered a critical highway safety task unless it is blocking a travel lane. Our maintenance crews must prioritize critical safety work. Crews remove deceased animals and large items, such as abandoned refrigerators, from roadways. If you see something that is an immediate safety concern, please call 9-1-1. They can dispatch law enforcement as well as our crews to the site. It is important to note that discarding items along the highway is illegal. Under state law, litter tickets and fines can be issued but a sworn law officer must see the littering take place. Tickets can’t be issued based on reports given to or seen by our field staff.

Multiple parters, one shared goal

Litter is picked up by departments of Ecology and Corrections crews, as well as our Adopt-A-Highway volunteers. Sometimes, contractor crews are hired by corporate sponsors. Those pick-up crews and volunteers leave full litter bags in a pile along the highway. Then, our maintenance crews collect them and record the volume for reporting purposes. These are the same crews who plow highways of snow and ice in the winter months. Most litter is generally collected between March and October. That’s when there’s less rain, and winter operations aren’t active. When crews are already working in an area, they often combine tasks. Planning ahead to sweep, pick up litter and remove graffiti all at once helps reduce future disruptions for travelers.

Ecology crews collect roadside litter along US 101 near Olympia in April. Our highway maintenance crews provided traffic control and disposed of the bagged litter. They also mowed and conducted vegetation management within the closure area.

And what our crews find can be surprising.

In 2025, together with Ecology, we spent more than $17 million on litter cleanup and disposal. These are large investments, but they do not fully capture the ongoing scope and complexity of litter challenges we face each year. Last year, our crews collected 726 tons of litter along state highways. This includes large items like mattresses and desks as well as bags of litter collected by volunteers and contractor crews. We do not have regular, dedicated litter crews. We also don’t have the funding to create them, which is why our partnerships with other agencies, communities and the public are so important. Preventing litter starts with all of us.

Thinking about joining? Adopt-A-Highway volunteers commit to taking care of a designated two-mile stretch of highway over a two-year period. Many of our volunteers take great pride in cleaning up our highways in the communities where they live and work. We currently have more than 800 active volunteer groups across the state, but we’re always looking for more to help make a difference. Volunteers must be at least 15 years of age and in good health. We provide litter bags and safety materials before each cleanup.

Adopt-A-Highway program volunteers for the Quilcene Harbor Yacht club. They had a successful litter cleanup last fall in the Olympic Peninsula

But litter pickup is just one piece of a much bigger picture.

Behind the scenes, our highway maintenance crews are managing stormwater systems, controlling weeds and preparing for wildfire. They are also thinking ahead and implementing a more environmentally friendly snow and ice program.

We created a pollinator-friendly habitat along Interstate 5 at the Scatter Creek Safety Rest Area. This is part of our roadside landscape program. Pollinator meadows like this require less mowing and upkeep compared to traditional turf grass. Besides benefiting pollinators, they help conserve resources, reduce emissions and lower maintenance costs.

We also have a team that include biologists, cultural resources specialists, permitting specialists and environmental quality assurance professionals. These environmental professionals help ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations and policies.

Making a difference across Washington

Across the state, our work to protect the environment shows up in many ways:

• Since 2013, we’ve corrected 200 fish barriers. These corrections restore access to more than 705 miles of upstream habitat.
• We’re partnering with agencies, tribes and conservation groups to improve how we treat stormwater. Together, we’re working to remove harmful pollutants before they reach waterways.
• We’re building wildlife crossings that help animals move safely while reducing collisions on our roadways.
• We’ve signed a contract with Eastern Shipbuilders to construct up to three hybrid-electric 160 auto-ferries. We expect delivery of the first vessel in 2030. When terminals are electrified in the next few years, the vessels will operate on battery power. This decreases fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
• We’re working to create edge buffers and fire-resilient native plant communities in Eastern Washington. We need to reduce the possibility of roadside fires before they start.
• We’re protecting wetlands and riparian areas as part of our highway construction program. We’re using principles of avoidance, minimization and mitigation.
• We’ve transitioned much of our fleet to renewable diesel — reducing emissions by about 70%. This also lowers maintenance impacts and costs.
• We’ve launched the second round of an e-bike rebate program. Rebates have already given more than 11,000 people the opportunity to reduce the upfront cost of e-bikes. The program makes e-bikes more affordable by providing rebates of either $300 or $1,200, depending on income eligibility.
• We’re investing in programs that help communities create safer travel options. Examples include bicycle education and helping reconnect neighborhoods divided by highways.
• We are reducing the effects of underwater noise on marine mammals. We are on the leadership committee of Quiet Sound. They recently recognized us for our leadership in voluntary vessel slowdowns. Since 2015, we’ve been one of just two U.S. entities in the ECHO Program. This program helps us understand and reduce the impacts of shipping on whales throughout the southern coast of British Columbia.

Protecting our planet includes correcting fish barriers under state highways. This example is along State Route 20 near Sedro-Woolley. This project reopened over half a mile of habitat for salmon and trout. It also created safer crossings for wildlife like deer, elk and black bears.

It takes all of us

Protecting our environment is a shared responsibility. We’ll continue to explore new ways to reduce our environmental impact and deliver sustainable transportation solutions. As a friendly reminder, small daily actions from all of us make a real difference. Simple choices like securing your load before every trip or choosing not to litter help keep our roads safe and our environment clean.

Because Earth Day isn’t just today. It’s every day.