A cool, shady era begins at the Quincy Valley Rest Area

They say an optimist is someone who plants two acorns and buys a hammock. Well, there were no hammocks in sight or acorns being planted on May 13 at the Quincy Valley Rest Area off SR 28, but there was plenty of optimism.

Students from the local 4-H clubs (Quincy Sportsman 4-H and GQ 4-H), aided and supervised by community members, spent the day planting trees at the rest area, to replace the dozens of honeylocusts that had to be removed due to an infestation earlier this month.

Children from Quincy-area schools spent a day planting trees at the WSDOT Quincy Valley Rest Area off State Route 28 on May 12, 2026. The new trees replaced older trees that had to be removed due to disease.

This time around, the children spruced the place up with a variety of trees: October Glory maples, Austrian pines, European hornbeam, American Elm. The goal was simple, and visionary: To replenish the rest area with trees for future generations of travelers to enjoy. They showed up, donned reflective vests and gloves, grabbed shovels and got right to work. The rest area remained closed while the children worked safely in the dirt.

We partnered with Quincy-area 4-H clubs to plant new trees at the Quincy Valley Rest Area on SR 28, on May 13. The old trees were removed earlier this spring due to disease.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the youth volunteers who donated their time and energy to this project:

Brielle Baughman, Rayginn Baughman, Cora Tonne, Owen Tonne, Coulton Schwint, Addison Schwint, Bristol Knutson, Easton Dreher, Bentley Dreher, Braxton Dreher, and Chris Fuller.

Special thanks also go to group leaders Kristin Gans, Justine Schwint, Pauline Baughman, Jen Snyder, and Nichole Dreher, along with parent volunteers Michael Knutson, Stormy Baughman, and Jill Tonne, whose support and leadership helped make this restoration effort possible.

Because of their efforts, the Quincy Valley Safety Rest Area is beginning a new chapter — one that will provide shade, beauty, and a welcoming place to rest for travelers for decades to come.

Children and adults from the Quincy Valley worked side by side on May 12, 2026 planting trees at the Quincy Valley Rest Area off State Route 28. The children belonged to local 4-H clubs.

Shaping the future of Paradise Lake Road at SR 522

By: Zack Howard

Your input helped us understand your active transportation priorities for Paradise Lake Road around the new SR 522 Interchange.

Spring is a season of growth. That is also true for our state routes. With your help, we are “planting the seeds” for road improvements. These changes will reflect how you use these roads every day. The State Route (SR) 522 project includes:

• Widening SR 522 to two lanes in each direction.
• Building a new eastbound bridge near Fales Road and Echo Lake Road.
• Replacing the Paradise Lake Road intersection with an interchange and bike and pedestrian pathways.
• Installation of four roundabouts along Paradise Lake Road to help transition between highways and local streets
• Removing barriers to help fish swim through local streams.

Community engagement over the last year has focused on active transportation - person-powered ways of getting around, such as walking, biking or rolling - on SR 524/Paradise Lake Road near the new SR 522 interchange. When we launched our online open house and survey in October 2025, the community showed up in a big way. Nearly 1,800 people shared their feedback, helping us better understand what’s working, what’s challenging, and priorities for active transportation.

Project Vicinity Map showing SR 522 between Paradise Lake Road in Maltby and the Snohomish River

Reaching the community

We asked for your feedback to help improve active transportation on SR 524/Paradise Lake Road at the new SR 522 interchange.

Our online open house and survey were open for public participation from October 1 to October 27, 2025. We received 1,788 responses We appreciate everyone who took the time to share their ideas.

To spread the word, we mailed more than 4,500 postcards to local homes and businesses. We also used social media, email newsletters, and our website to reach as many people as possible near the project.

Below is a summary of what we heard and how your feedback shaped our plans.

What we heard: How people travel through this area

Survey responses indicate that about 70% of respondents walk, bike or roll through the area daily, multiple times per day, or on a weekly basis.

Travelers also shared what would make them feel more comfortable, walking, biking or rolling. Many people asked for wider sidewalks and more places to cross the street. Others suggested adding bike lanes and better lighting. These ideas show exactly what we need to help people feel more confident moving through the community.

What we heard: Where people would like to access as a pedestrian or on a bike

Open-ended survey questions helped us better understand where community members would like to go by walking, biking or rolling but currently feel unable to because of lack of existing infrastructure. Responses revealed four main themes:

• Access to nearby cities such as Woodinville, Snohomish, and Monroe.
• Access to specific destinations such as Paradise Valley Conservation Area, the Maltby Café, and local schools.
• General access improvements, such as better connections to trails or improved infrastructure that would allow them to walk or roll to a wider range of places.
• More general concerns, with bike and pedestrian safety being the most frequently mentioned issue.

Overall, we heard that people wanted more space for walking, biking and rolling so that they could access these and other destinations.

How community feedback informed the recommended corridor vision

Feedback from our survey and meetings helped the team choose a preferred design for active transportation.

Feedback and our analysis showed that two designs were the top choices:

• Separated directional bike lanes at the sidewalk level
• Separated two-directional bike lanes at the sidewalk level

Survey results showed that people who live, work and attend school in the area prefer these two options. Local school families told us that walking and biking to school are important ways for students to get around.

Many people shared thoughts on “shared-use” paths. They noted that these paths mix people walking with people biking at higher speeds. This can be difficult for younger children or large families. By keeping walkers and bikers in their own spaces, we provide a better experience for those going to and from school. This design helps everyone move through the area more smoothly.

What’s next?

This project is not currently funded for construction. In the meantime, WSDOT will continue advancing the design phase, along with environmental permitting and right-of-way acquisition. We’ll continue to work with partners and the community to finish the design. This ensures the project will be ready when construction is funded.

We’ll keep the project webpage updated throughout the process. The community input we receive continues to be a valuable part of this process and ensures a strong path forward for the corridor.

Learn more and stay informed

We are committed to transparency throughout this process and your feedback and voice make a difference. Thanks for helping to make this community driven.

Project webpage

Visit the project page for the latest updates, detailed information and recordings/presentations from our Advisory Group meetings.

Email updates: Sign up for news and study updates.

Contact Info

Danielle Morgan
Communications
206-482-2282
Danielle.Morgan@wsdot.wa.gov

Detours ahead: Fish frenzy brings two highway closures to south Kitsap County

By Angela Cochran and Mark Krulish

Q: What is black and white and rolls around the Puget Sound but is definitely not a soccer ball?

A: An orca.

This wasn’t a very good joke (we made it up). But we wanted to tie in fish passage with this summer’s big soccer championship. You know the one. We can’t say the name for legal reasons, but it’s in Seattle. Athletes from around the “world” are going to be there. The title includes another word for a beverage container.

We spotted a pod of orcas playing near the Tacoma Narrows Bridge last September.

Anyway, one of the benefits of removing barriers to fish is feeding orcas! We’re doing our part to appease our marine overlords (well, at least they might see it that way).

If you live in Kitsap or Mason County and plan on attending any of the games, you’ll want to plan extra travel time.

Although the matches don’t start until June, we’ve already started work at two fish passage projects. One is in the Gorst area. That project ultimately will remove barriers to fish at five locations along State Route 3, SR 16 and SR 166. The other fish barrier is south of Port Orchard under SR 160, known to most as Sedgwick Road.

Fish passage projects will close two highways on the same day in Kitsap County. SR 3 will close near Sunnyslope Road, and SR 160 will close near Long Lake Road.

Double red card

We plan on closing both SR 3 and SR 160 (Sedwick Road) on the same day, Saturday, June 13. We know that any road closure is at the least inconvenient. The closures will allow crews to remove and replace the highway in a relatively short time. SR 3 will be closed for 16 days so crews can install a new culvert that allows fish migration. Sedgwick Road will close for about four months while crews build a new bridge over Salmonberry Creek.

For both locations, closing the road means faster construction time and reduced environmental effects from building roads in wetlands. For the SR 3 location, it also comes with a cost savings of about half a million dollars.

Please note that we’re well aware of what’s happening in Seattle and the number of tourists who’ll surely visit this side of Puget Sound. We’ve done a lot to limit construction effects in the Greater Seattle area due to the tournament that we can’t legally name (rhymes with pearled pup). At the same time, we have a limited time period that we can work in a stream. This is determined by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife when fish are less active, and it varies by location. Plus, we’re under a federal court injunction to remove hundreds of barriers to fish by 2030, and that isn’t too far away.

SR 160/Sedgwick Road closure near Port Orchard

Travelers will see two signed detours for the SR 160 closure. 

If you’re headed towards the Southworth ferry, be prepared to take a short detour around a closure on Sedgwick Road (SR 160). In the late evening on Saturday, June 13, the highway will close between Blackberry Hill Lane and Long Lake Road until the end of October.

• Drivers will use Jackson Avenue, Salmonberry Road and Long Lake Road to get around the closure.
• People who walk, roll or bike will use Phillips Road, Salmonberry Road, Long Lake Road and Lakeview Drive.

Once the roadway reopens, work will stop until crews return in summer 2027 to remove the culvert and recreate the stream. The work at Salmonberry is one part of a larger fish barrier removal effort. A second location at Blackjack Creek on SR 16 near the Sedgwick Road interchange is scheduled to be complete in fall 2026.

SR 3 closure near Gorst

The morning of Saturday, June 13, we’re planning on closing a section of SR 3 between Belfair and Bremerton. The highway will remain closed around the clock for 16 days.

SR 3 travelers should plan extra time for the detour route. Signed detours will be available for people who drive, walk, roll or bike.

During the closure, our contractor will remove a section of the roadway near Sunnyslope Road Southwest. A new 150-foot-long box culvert will replace the smaller, outdated culvert under the highway.

SR 3 will remain open to residential and business traffic just north and south of the construction work zone. We’ll also have signed detours so you can still get to your destination with a little advanced planning.

While SR 3 is closed, travelers will see three signed detour routes:

• Drivers will use Sunnyslope Road Southwest and Southwest Lake Flora Road.
• People who walk, roll or bike can use Northeast Old Belfair Highway/West Belfair Valley Road.
• Commercial vehicles will be routed to SR 16 and SR 302.

Crews will work double shifts to make sure the work is completed on time.

While we are pretty sure that the SR 3 closure will happen on June 13, the schedule may change for a couple of reasons. The new culvert is being assembled off-site. If there are any issues with the assembly process, the closure could happen later. We are also waiting for the creek to dry out. Gorst Creek is a seasonal stream. This means that at some point during the warmer months, there is very little to no water in the stream. If we get a lot of rain between now and the closure date, we may need to divert the water, which can take more time to set up. We will continue to monitor the culvert assembly and weather for changes. We’ll update the project webpage and real-time travel map as schedules are finalized.

A larger concrete culvert will replace the current one under the highway. The blue flags mark the corners of the new culvert.

Why we remove fish barriers in seasonal streams

Some streams have seasonal flow, which means they may be dry at times, but they are still important to fish. For example, chum and pink salmon fry migrate directly to saltwater shortly after emerging from gravels in the spring. So, a stream that dries during the summer is not a concern for their life cycle. These streams can also sustain young or juvenile coho salmon. According to researchers, this is because there are often residual pools scattered through watersheds where they can wait out the dry periods. In these situations, young fish can benefit from using seasonal streams. It has been documented in studies linked on the Washington State Department of National Resources and on the Forest Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture websites, juvenile coho using seasonal streams are larger and have a greater chance of survival than streams with year-round flow. Researchers think that this may be due to reduced competition for food resources compared to year-round streams.

Gorst Creek potentially supports chum, coho, steelhead, sea-run cutthroat and resident trout.

SR 16 construction

Work is underway on SR 16 near Tremont Street West. People will see nighttime lane closures for early work and into construction as crews start building a temporary bypass road. The temporary bypass road will have two lanes in each direction. Travelers will also see detours for people who walk, roll and bike. Once the bypass road is in place, crews will start work digging up the highway. Travelers will see the speed limit temporarily reduced from 60 mph to 45 mph. A bridge will replace the outdated culvert under the highway. We expect this site to take two years to complete with work pausing for winter.

During work on SR 16, a signed detour via SR 16 Spur, Feigley Road and Southwest Old Clifton Road will be available for people who walk, bike or roll.

Future work

Work is also planned at three other locations: SR 16 in Gorst, the intersection of SR 3, SR 16 spur and West Sam Christopherson Avenue in Gorst, and Southeast Mile Hill Drive (SR 166) near Veterans Memorial Park in east Port Orchard. We are still working through some details on start dates and how traffic will move through these work zones. We do know that travelers will see lane closures as well as detours for people who walk, roll or bike.

Travel tools

No matter which work zone you need to navigate through this summer and beyond, we will get you where you need to go. It just may take a little longer than usual.

Make sure to check our online open house for the latest updates. You can also sign up for email alerts on state highway projects happening in Kitsap County. Download our app for real-time traffic information and alerts.

Improving safety along US 395 north of Pasco

Safety is our top priority. We know many people in the Tri-Cities have concerns about safety along US 395 north of Pasco. We want to share the improvements already made and why. We also want to share how we’re continuing to work with the community to improve safety.

Understanding the safety challenges

The section of US 395 from south of Foster Wells Road to just north of Eltopia has seen more crashes in recent years. Between 2020 and 2025, there were 293 crashes. That includes:

• 12 fatal crashes
• 19 fatalities
• 10 serious injury crashes
• 18 serious injuries

We take every crash seriously. We’ve reviewed locations along US 395 to identify patterns. That has helped us decide if safety improvements could help reduce crashes.

Our review found many of the fatal crashes shared similar characteristics. Most happened during daylight hours and in clear weather conditions. These crashes often involve drivers entering US 395 from side streets onto a high-speed highway. The Washington State Patrol also helped us to better understand the factors behind these recent crashes. Their investigations showed that a key issue was that drivers have a hard time judging the speed of vehicles already on US 395.

Safety improvements completed

In 2020, we completed a $15 million project to improve safety at several intersections, including these roads:

• Foster Wells
• Vineyard
• Phend
• Crestloch
• Sagemoor
• East Elm
• Eltopia West

Improvements included new acceleration and deceleration lanes, upgraded lighting and enhancing warning and directional signs.

Recently, we added signs along this road to warn drivers about vehicles entering and exiting. This is part of our ongoing efforts along US 395, not a result of recent legislation. These changes give drivers more time and space to safely merge, slow down, and react to traffic conditions.

Why the speed limit change

Following our review of the corridor, we reduced the speed limit from 70 mph to 65 mph in key areas earlier this year. Speed limits aren’t set randomly. We evaluate roadway design, traffic conditions, access points, and crash history when deciding on speeds. Lower speeds give drivers more time to react and can help make the crashes less severe if they do happen.

Education is the next step

As we reviewed crashes along the corridor, one common theme stood out. Drivers didn’t know how to use the acceleration and deceleration lanes. This makes the need for driver education even more important.

When you are driving on US 395, stay alert for vehicles entering from side streets. Be prepared for traffic slowing near intersections and businesses. When entering the highway, use the full length of the acceleration lanes to reach traffic speed before merging. When exiting the highway, move into the deceleration lane early and use the lane to slow down after leaving the main travel lanes. Slowing down in the through lane can create unexpected conflicts for drivers behind you.

The Washington State Patrol and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission helped us make a driver education video on entering and exiting the highway. We are giving safety information to local businesses. We’ll also be at community events with information to help drivers better understand the corridor.

Looking ahead

We are still tracking crash trends. We will evaluate future safety options. There are currently no funded projects planned, but more improvements may be considered if funding becomes available.

Improving safety on US 395 requires a combination of engineering, education, enforcement, and community partnership. We appreciate the community’s continued engagement as we work together to make this corridor safer for everyone.

The End of the “Rough Road” in Southwest Washington

If you drive in Southwest Washington, you’ve seen the signs.

Rough Roads.
Slower speeds.
A bumpy ride.

In Clark County, two stretches along Interstate 5 and State Route 14 have “Rough Road” signs displayed. Years of increased traffic, aging pavement and tough weather have taken a toll. The result: cracked surfaces, potholes and temporary fixes.

But that’s about to change.

Both locations are getting the long-term attention they need this summer, leading to smoother, safer trips.

Like many preservation projects across the state, these improvements depend on available funding, which means we often have to prioritize the most urgent needs first and fix them in phases. Now, it’s time for these two highways to finally get their turn.

A smoother ride on SR 14

For years, drivers crossing the SR 14 West Camas Slough bridge have felt the wear and tear firsthand. Potholes and ruts keep coming back, making each trip a bumpy one.

Maintenance crews have stayed busy patching and making repairs as needed, but those fixes have always been temporary. Until now.

In summer 2026, crews will begin a full resurfacing project on the bridge.

The work includes:

• Removing old asphalt
• Inspecting and repairing the concrete deck
• Adding a new waterproofing layer
• Paving new asphalt
• Replacing four expansion joints

When the work is finished, travelers can expect a smoother, more reliable crossing with fewer maintenance closures. No more dodging potholes that kept bouncing back.

Taking a new approach on I-5

Another rough stretch lies on southbound I-5 that many drivers know all too well.

Between Northeast 179th Street and the I-5/I-205 split, thousands of concrete panels have carried traffic for decades, well beyond their intended lifespan. Many panels are broken and uneven, creating a rough and bumpy drive.

Concrete must be flat before it can be paved over. Simply adding asphalt on top won’t fix the problem. Over the last several years we’ve replaced the worst panels, but there’s just too many to repair one by one.

Now, we’re trying something different.

In summer 2026, crews will use a method called “crack, seat and overlay” to rebuild the roadway.

Here’s how it works:

• The old concrete is cracked into smaller pieces.
• Those pieces are pressed down firmly into place.
• Several layers of asphalt are added on top.

This method allows us to repair a larger stretch of highway quickly while keeping costs down.

But the work doesn’t stop there. Crews will also address the stretch of I-5 just north of the crack, seat, and overlay work, between NE 179th Street and Ridgefield. First, this summer, crews will replace the worst of the worst panels, and then in 2027 return to complete the full crack, seat, and overlay work. There’s more to come and smoother rides ahead.

The road to smooth ahead

When these projects wrap up at, those familiar “Rough Road” signs will disappear.

We know these roads are part of your daily routine. Whether you’re commuting to work, moving goods, taking a road trip, or running errands, every trip matters.

We appreciate everyone’s patience as we make these improvements. We can’t wait to put the bumps behind us and look forward to smoother roads ahead.

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

FINAL UPDATE: June 14, 2026

We fully reopened State Route 20/North Cascades Highway in both directions Sunday, June 14, after two emergency repair projects completed work. The June 14 opening matches 1974 for the latest opening of the scenic seasonal highway since we began keeping records in 1972. But Sunday’s opening comes nearly three weeks before the Fourth of July, which was the goal we set for fully reopening North Cascades Highway in early May.

Before Sunday, a section of SR 20 between Ross Dam Trailhead (milepost 134) and Porcupine Creek (milepost 156) remained closed after North Cascades Highway partially reopened from the east side April 30. This section of highway was severely damaged in several areas by washouts in December 2025.

Skagit County contractors Trimaxx Construction Inc. and Interwest Construction Inc. each worked seven days a week and completed their emergency contracts in fewer than the allowable working days.

SR 20/North Cascades Highway reopened on Sunday, June 14, after contractor crews completed repairs on the scenic seasonal highway.

Making repairs

Interwest stabilized a slope with more than 1,000 lineal feet of steel rock dowels and removed more than 2,500 cubic yards of debris from a rockslide that occurred in March near Diablo Lake (milepost 131). That work finished May 30, allowing us to move the west side closure point to milepost 134 and restore access to popular recreational opportunities at Diablo Lake Vista Point and Ross Dam Trailhead.

Since May 13, Trimaxx focused on repairing washout damage along SR 20 between Canyon Creek Trailhead and the Granite Creek vicinity (mileposts 142-148). Necessary repairs along this 6-mile section of highway included:

• Rebuilding washed out embankment that supported the highway at three locations
• Repairing and repaving more than 1,000 feet of highway that was undermined or collapsed
• Restoring about 2 miles of damaged or collapsed asphalt shoulder and about 3 miles of eroded ditch line
• Replacing more than 1,000 feet of damaged guardrail and concrete barrier
• Clearing and repairing 15 damaged or buried culverts
• Using mulch and seeding for erosion control on rebuilt slopes
• Installing pavement markings and striping

What to expect

Though repairs have finished, Trimaxx will continue to remove construction equipment from the area the next few days. Watch for workers removing heavy construction equipment from the area, but this should not affect traffic.

Also, please watch for for wildlife, which is not used to vehicles traveling at highway speed limits through the area. Workers have reported many deer and bear sightings, many with young, on or near the roadway. It will take them a while to transition to North Cascades Highway being fully open.

The June 14 opening for SR 20/North Cascades Highway matches 1974 for the latest opening of the scenic seasonal highway since WSDOT began keeping records in 1972.

Update: 4 p.m. June 8, 2026

Some good news to share – we have begun paving work as we repair State Route 20.

Some even better news – we now expect to fully reopen North Cascades Highway by Friday, June 19. This is about a week earlier than the June 25 opening we had previously shared. This updated timeline, of course, depends on favorable weather conditions and no unforeseen difficulties, but it could mean SR 20 will fully reopen in time for the Juneteeth holiday weekend.

A section of SR 20 between Ross Dam Trailhead (milepost 134) and Porcupine Creek (milepost 156) has remained closed since North Cascades Highway partially reopened from the east side April 30. This closed section of highway was severely damaged in several areas by washouts in December 2025, making it unsafe to fully reopen the scenic, seasonal highway until repairs finish.

Crews began repaving damaged sections of SR 20 on Friday, June 5, and expect to finish paving work this week if the weather is dry. Some of the remaining work, including lane striping, also requires conditions that are dry and warm enough.

Crews began paving damaged section of SR 20 on Friday, June 5.

Emergency repairs ahead of schedule

Since May 13, Sedro-Woolley’s Trimaxx Construction Inc. has focused on repairing washout damage between Canyon Creek Trailhead and the Granite Creek vicinity (mileposts 142-148). Necessary repairs along this 6-mile section of highway included:

• Three locations where the embankment supporting the roadway needed to be rebuilt
• More than 1,000 feet of lane that was undermined or collapsed
• Approximately 2 miles of damaged or collapsed asphalt shoulder
• Approximately 3 miles of damaged ditch line
• More than 1,000 feet of damaged guardrail and concrete barrier
• About 15 damaged or buried culverts

Trimaxx has worked seven days a week in multiple areas and expects to complete repairs by Friday, June 19. In addition to finishing paving, remaining work includes grinding rumble strips and areas for reflective pavement markings, grading rock on the highway shoulders, replacing guardrail, landscaping and erosion prevention, and installing lane striping.

What to expect

SR 20 remains an active work zone between Ross Dam Tailhead and Porcupine Creek. No access is permitted in this area, including for hikers, bikers or campers. After finishing repairs on a rockslide area near Diablo Lake, we moved the westside closure point to Ross Dam Trailhead, restoring access to the recreational favorite and the Diablo Lake Vista Point.

We’re continuing to work with our contractor to fully reopen North Cascades Highway as quickly as it is safe to do so.

Crews expected to wrap up repairs and fully reopen SR 20/Noth Cascades Highway by Friday, June 19.

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Update: 8 a.m. June 8, 2026

We moved the westside closure on the North Cascades Highway 4 miles east on Saturday, May 30, after completing rockslide repairs near Diablo Lake. You can now reach the seasonal closure point at milepost 134, meaning access is restored to outdoor recreational favorites at Diablo Lake View Point and Ross Dam Trailhead.

But SR 20 remains closed to vehicles, hikers, bikers and campers between Ross Dam Trailhead and Porcupine Creek (mileposts 134 to 156). Our crews are working seven days a week and making good progress on necessary repairs to that scenic stretch of the seasonal highway, which was severely damaged in several areas by washouts in December. We are still on track to fully reopen North Cascades Highway by June 25.

This week, crews finished rebuilding the third of three embankments that were washed away beneath the westbound lane. They also continued to prepare damaged sections of the eastbound lane for paving, built a cement block wall to restore a ditch, excavated, cleaned and repaired the remaining culverts buried or damaged by the storms, rebuilt the roadway along the eastbound lane, and various other necessary tasks.

And on Friday morning, June 5, we began paving. Provided the weather cooperates, we should continue paving the damaged roadway sections over the weekend and next week. If you’re planning to drive up to the Diablo Lake Vista Point and Ross Dam Trailhead, expect increased construction vehicle traffic associated with the paving efforts.

Crews continued to repair several severely damaged area of SR 20/North Cascades Highway this week, including roadbed and drainage.

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Update: May 29, 2026

The first of two emergency repair contracts on State Route 20 has finished work, meaning we can shift the closure point on the west side of the North Cascades Highway about 4 miles to the east.

Beginning Saturday, May 30, vehicles coming from the west can reach the traditional seasonal SR 20 closure point at milepost 134. While this isn't the full reopening we're all eagerly awaiting, it does restore access to the Diablo Lake Vista Point and recreation areas reachable from the Ross Dam Trailhead.

The North Cascades Highway remains closed between Ross Dam Trailhead and Porcupine Creek (milepost 156) until work finishes on a second emergency contract repairing washout damage from December.

Crews will continue to work seven days a week until repairs finish, and we expect to fully reopen SR 20 by June 25.

Rockslide repairs finished

Interwest Construction Inc. of Burlington finished clearing debris and slope stabilization near Diablo Lake (milepost 131) earlier this week. Repairs were necessary after a March 17 rockslide covered both lanes of SR 20 and the unstable slope forced us to close the highway near Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130).

Since the emergency repairs began May 3, crews dislodged loose rocks and debris and closely inspected the slope, a process called scaling. They then drilled holes 20 to 60 feet deep in the rock face to anchor more than 1,000 lineal feet of steel dowels. These dowels were placed in a pattern designed by our geotechnical engineers to stabilize the slope.

Crews also cleared more than 2,500 cubic yards of debris from the site.

Crews have completed clearing debris and stabilizing a slope along SR 20 near Diablo Lake (milepost 31).

Washout repairs continue

Though plenty of work remains between Canyon Creek Trailhead (milepost 142) and Granite Creek (milepost 148) before we can fully reopen the North Cascades Highway, Trimaxx Construction Inc. of Sedro-Woolley also reached a significant milestone in the second emergency contract over Memorial Day weekend.

On Sunday, May 24, we completed rebuilding an embankment that washed away near milepost 145. This was the largest of three areas where the highway's embankment was severely eroded by washouts during December storms. Crews restored the embankment to support the highway from the bottom up with rocks and other materials hauled from nearby.

We've continued to focus on rebuilding embankment at the two smaller washout areas and finishing repairs of a ditch that was filled with debris along the eastbound lane.

Other remaining tasks include preparing the roadbed for paving, replacing and repairing culverts, paving damaged areas, and installing pavement markings and guardrail.

All this work is expected to finish by June 25. Until then, please remember the area between Ross Dam Trailhead and Porcupine Creek (mileposts 134 to 156) remains an active work zone and unsafe for any vehicles, hikers, bikers or campers.

Crews have rebuilt an embankment along SR 20 that was washed away during December’s heavy rains.

Map of construction area as of May 29, 2026

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Update: May 22, 2026

Crews have been busy at both emergency repair sites along State Route 20/North Cascades Highway this week. That work will continue through the three-day weekend, as we look to repair this scenic portion of the highway and fully reopen it by June 25.

We’ve been working on several areas that were damaged by the washouts in December between Canyon Creek Trailhead and Granite Creek (mileposts 142 to 148).

Crews have made good progress rebuilding the embankment that washed away near milepost 145. Working from the bottom up, they’ve almost reached the level of the road. They’ve also begun work repairing two other nearby areas where the embankment was washed away.

Elsewhere, crews used a large machine called a pulverizer to grind up damaged asphalt so that it could be used to rebuild the sub-grade that will support asphalt when we’re ready to repave lanes.

They’ve also been busy clearing ditches and clearing and repairing culverts along this 6-mile stretch.

Further west near Diablo Lake (milepost 131), our contractor for our second emergency contract continues to drill holes 20 to 60 feet deep into the rock face. These holes will anchor steel dowels that will stabilize the slope, which slid in March. This is methodical process done under the watchful eye of our geotechnical engineers, and crews often have to pause to dislodge loose rocks and debris they find while inspecting the slope.

We’re expecting to finish hauling debris from the site this weekend.

As work finishes in certain areas, we’ll evaluate if we can safely open those sections of SR 20 while work continues elsewhere. Until then, the North Cascades Highway remains closed between Canyon Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Porcupine Creek (milepost 156).

We’ve also received some questions asking if, after repairs are complete, we plan to reopen the highway for a weekend to bikes only. Our goal remains to reopen the highway for all users as soon as it is safe to do so, and that means there will not be a bikes-only weekend.

Crews have made good progress repairing the embankment along several areas of SR 20 near milepost 145 that washed away in December.

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Update: May 15, 2026

With two emergency repair projects underway, we now expect to fully reopen State Route 20/North Cascades Highway by Thursday, June 25. While that is still later than any of us wanted, it is 10 days earlier than the Fourth of July goal we announced last week.

As you remember, SR 20 remained closed between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Porcupine Creek (milepost 156) when we partially reopened North Cascades Highway from the east side April 30.

Several sections within the 26-mile closure area were seriously damaged by washouts in December and a March rockslide, making it unsafe to fully reopen the scenic seasonal highway until repairs finish.

Contractor crews have begun making repairs to a 6-mile section of SR 20 damaged by washouts in December, including this area near milepost 145, where one lane of the North Cascades Highway was washed away.

Two contractors making progress

Burlington’s Interwest Construction Inc. (ICI) has been working on the rockslide near Diablo Lake (milepost 131) since May 5. ICI finished dislodging loose rocks and debris and closely inspected the slope, a process called scaling. Their work has shifted to drilling holes in the rock face to anchor 20- to 60-foot-long steel dowels that will stabilize the slope.

Sedro-Woolley’s Trimaxx Construction Inc. began work Wednesday, May 13, on a second emergency contract focusing on repairing washout damage between Canyon Creek Trailhead and the Granite Creek vicinity (mileposts 142-148). Necessary repairs along this 6-mile section of SR 20 include:

• 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.
• Approximately 2 miles of damaged or collapsed asphalt shoulder.
• Approximately 3 miles of ditch line that needs to be repaired.
• More than 1,000 feet of damaged guardrail and concrete barrier.
• About 15 culverts that are damaged or buried.

Trimaxx is working in multiple areas and has started removing debris and damaged guardrail, breaking up fallen asphalt and repairing embankment that was washed away.

Working days for this second emergency contract should be used up by Thursday, June 25. Both contractors are working at the same time and are required to work seven days a week and 24 hours a day when it is safe to do so.

Crews have completed scaling work near Diablo Lake and have begun drilling holes to anchor steel dowels that will stabilize the slope at the site of a March rockslide near SR 20.

What to expect

We know you are curious since you've seen us do this on other highways, but it unfortunately looks like we will not be able to open a single lane of SR 20 while repair work is going.

There are multiple areas where lanes have been completely washed away and the remaining pavement is unsupported from below. Making repairs to safely reopen one lane along this narrow corridor would take about as long as contractors estimate it will take to fully reopen both lanes of SR 20.

We’ll keep working with both contractors to fully reopen North Cascades Highway as quickly as it is safe to do so.

SR 20 remains an active work zone between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Porcupine Creek (milepost 156). No access is permitted in this area for hikers, bikers or campers. Please remember the message boards at each closure point are there for your safety and the safety of those making repairs.

As work finishes in certain areas, we will evaluate if those sections of SR 20 can safely reopen while work continues elsewhere. Updates will be provided as available here and on the project webpage. You can also sign up for our SR 20/North Cascades Highway email updates or follow along with the photos and videos we’re posting to our SR 20 Flickr album.

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Update: May 13, 2026

Work began Wednesday, May 13, on a second emergency contract that will repair a 6-mile section of State Route 20/North Cascades Highway damaged by washouts in December. Work on this new contract will happen at the same time as emergency work already underway near Diablo Lake.

 As you may remember, we set a goal to finish repairs and reopen the closed section of SR 20 between Colonial Creek Campground (milepost 130) and Porcupine Creek (milepost 156) by the Fourth of July. Both contracts require work 24 hours, seven days a week when it is safe to do so to help us reach this goal.

 Trimaxx Construction Inc. will perform repairs on SR 20 between Canyon Creek Trailhead and Granite Creek (mileposts 142 to 148). Trimaxx was the contractor we worked with to repair a section of SR 530 that was washed out by the Sauk River during the December atmospheric river storms and flooding.

 This time, Trimaxx will repair several damaged areas along SR 20, including:

• 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.
• Approximately 2 miles of damaged or collapsed asphalt shoulder.
• Approximately 3 miles of ditch line that needs to be repaired.
• More than 1,000 feet of damaged guardrail and concrete barrier.

Approximately 15 culverts that are damaged or covered by debris.

Contractor crews will repair several damaged areas along a nearly 6-mile stretch of SR 20 between mileposts 142 and 148.

First emergency contract

Interwest Construction Inc. of Burlington began emergency work on SR 20 earlier this month to stabilize a slope and clear debris from a March rockslide near Diablo Lake (milepost 131).

Crews completed scaling work, or dislodging loose rocks and debris from the slope using hand tools and air compression.

They’re now drilling holes in the rock face so that long steel dowels can be anchored to stabilize the slope. The steel dowels range from 20 to 60 feet long and are placed as directed by our geotechnical engineers carefully examining the slope as work progresses.

What to expect

The closed section of SR 20 between mileposts 130 and 156 remains an active work zone until repairs are complete. Work is expected around the clock in a narrow corridor, and no unauthorized people are allowed.

There is no safe way to allow public access through the area, including hiking, biking or camping, until work finishes and SR 20 reopens. Portable electronic signs are posted at both ends of the closure for your safety.

Updates will be provided in this blog and on the project web page.

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Update: May 7, 2026

With work underway to stabilize a slope from a rockslide on State Route 20 near Diablo Lake (milepost 131), we know the question on everyone's mind is: "When will SR 20/North Cascade Highway reopen?"

Work to stabilize the slope near milepost 131 began on Tuesday, May 5. Crews are performing scaling, which is closely inspecting the slope and using hand tools and air compression to dislodge loose rocks and debris.

We have good news and bad news: Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to reopen in time for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. It is our goal to complete the repairs needed and open the highway by the Fourth of July. But please understand this is a goal, not a promise.

We continue to coordinate with state and federal partners, including permitting authorities, and we are pursuing contracting options to repair the damage on SR 20 between mileposts 142 and 148. Contracts executed for this work will include a 24/7 provision, as long as the work can be done safely. At this time we expect to have the second emergency contract underway the week of May 11.

We will continue to share updates as the work progresses.

What's happening now

Contractor crews are performing scaling work, rappelling down the slope to carefully examine it for loose rock or debris. They use hand tools and compressed air to dislodge and send potential hazards down the slope.

This is a meticulous process that will take several days as they work their way from the top of the slope to bottom.

If you are interested in what this work looks like, we posted videos showing this same process during our work along northbound I-5 earlier this year.

Why is SR 20 taking longer to repair than US 2 did in December?

We've heard this question a lot over the past several weeks, especially from people comparing photos of the damage on SR 20 and US 2.

While the damage may look similar at first glance, the conditions at the two locations are very different, and those differences have had a major impact on how quickly crews could safely assess the damage and begin repairs.

One of the biggest factors is elevation.

The primary damage sites on SR 20 are around 2,170 feet in elevation, while the damaged area in Tumwater Canyon on US 2 is closer to 1,500 feet. That higher elevation meant much of the SR 20 damage stayed buried under snow well into the winter, preventing crews from safely accessing and fully assessing the roadway until March.

Getting to the damaged areas on SR 20 also required crews to travel through avalanche chutes, creating additional safety risks and limiting when engineers and contractors could safely enter the corridor. Those same avalanche hazards were not present in Tumwater Canyon.

The scale of the damage is also different.

On SR 20, crews are dealing with multiple damaged locations spread across roughly six miles between mileposts 142 and 148, in addition to the recent rockslide near milepost 131. Each of those locations required separate inspections and evaluations by geotechnical and hydraulic engineers before repairs could even begin to be designed.

In several areas, the damage extends beneath the roadway surface, where water undermined the structural support below the pavement. Crews are also evaluating unstable slopes, damaged drainage systems and locations where portions of the roadway may need to be rebuilt.

All of those factors: elevation, snowpack, avalanche risk, accessibility and the overall scale of the damage have directly affected the repair timeline on SR 20.

That said, the goal on both highways is the same: to safely reopen the road as quickly as possible.

We understand how important SR 20 is to travelers, local communities, recreation access and the regional economy. Our commitment today is the same as it always is and that is to move this work forward as quickly as conditions safely allow and reopen the highway as soon as we can.

What to expect

SR 20 remains closed between Colonial Creek Campground (near milepost 130) and Porcupine Creek (near milepost 156). This is an active construction zone, and only authorized personnel wearing approved personal protective equipment are permitted in this area.

It is not safe for people to enter the area, even for hiking, biking, or camping. The electronic message boards at the closure points are there for your safety and it is against the law go beyond the closure gates.

While some of the damage can be seen, much of it is hidden, including areas where the roadway is undermined beneath the surface.

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Update: May 5, 2026

We executed an emergency contract and began work Tuesday, May 5. This work is to clear a rockslide along State Route 20/North Cascades Highway near Diablo Lake.

This is the first of two repair projects needed to reopen SR 20. Heavy rains in December and March damaged several sections of the scenic highway that connects Skagit and Okanogan counties.

SR 20 has been closed from the west side near milepost 130 since a March 17. The closure is due to a rockslide near milepost 131. People can still reach Colonial Creek Campground during the closure, but no one is allowed between the campground and Porcupine Creek (milepost 156).

Interwest Construction Inc. from Burlington will do the emergency repairs on SR 20. You may remember them as the crew that stabilized the slope after a slide closed northbound I-5 south of Bellingham.

Though each slide is different and presents its own challenges, their basic goals at the slide along SR 20 will be the same:

• Removing loose rocks and debris from the slope (called scaling)
• Drilling holes and using long rock dowels to anchor and stabilize the slope
• Clearing debris
• Making any needed repairs at the site

More repairs remain

Damage between mileposts 142 and 148 still needs to be repaired before SR 20 can open for the summer. This repair will be addressed by a second contract. This area, which is beyond the seasonal closure gate at Ross Dam Trailhead (milepost 134), was severely damaged in multiple areas during December’s atmospheric river weather event.

We are exploring all options to secure the proper permits and permissions and get a contractor in place to begin this emergency work. We plan to reopen North Cascades Highway as quickly as possible.

Once work is going, we expect crews to work 24 hours a day, seven days week at both locations when it is safe to do so.

The time of reopening will depend on what crews find and how difficult the repairs are. Sometimes, crew members and engineers may need to change their plans if they find new damage. Once a contractor is identified and construction begins on the second emergency project, we’ll have a better idea of the schedule.

We have been prioritizing repairs since snow receded in the damaged areas between mileposts 142 and 148. We’re continuing to focus on reopening North Cascades Highway as quickly as it is safe to do so.

What to expect

SR 20 is an active work zone between mileposts 130 and 156. It is not safe for people to enter the area, even for hiking, biking, or camping. The electronic message boards at the closure points are there for your safety. While some of the damage can be seen, much of it is hidden, including areas where the roadway is undermined beneath the surface and slopes above remain unstable.

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Original post: April 30, 2026

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.