Project overview
The project increased safety for the public on the US 2 corridor by addressing four slopes with a history of active rockfall. The project repaired damaged slope stabilization systems and scale loose rock at four identified slopes located near the summit of Stevens Pass and through Tumwater Canyon west of Leavenworth.
What to expect
Work was planned on four sites on US 2 Stevens Pass and Tumwater Canyon. Working hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Site 1 (milepost 60-61): traffic control included single, right-lane closure on the four-lane section west of the summit of Stevens Pass. This work started on July 21 and was completed Aug. 6.
Site 2 (milepost 94): traffic control included single-lane closure with flaggers and 20-minute all stops while the contractor performs scaling, followed by alternating traffic guided by pilot car. Work started Aug. 6 and was finished later this summer. Travelers encountered delays.
Site 3 (milepost 97) and Site 4 (milepost 98): traffic control included single-lane closure with flagging and 20 minute all-stops, followed by alternating traffic guided by pilot car. Travelers encountered delays. A three-day full closure was planned for Aug. 19-21 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from milepost 85 at Coles Corner and 99, just west of Icicle Road in Leavenworth. During this time, passenger vehicles were detoured on to Chumstick Highway, and freight on US 97 Blewett Pass. The road reopened each evening to normal traffic flow. The closure ended up requiring one fewer day than initially scheduled.
Local traffic was allowed to continue eastbound at milepost 84 until milepost 96, but was allowed to head westbound when leaving the area within the closure.
This map shows the extent of the work, from the Stevens Pass areas, heading east to Coles Corner and then southeast to Leavenworth. It also shows the designated detour for passenger vehicles, via Chumstick Highway.
These slopes are unstable and have a history of active rockfall that has entered onto the highway. Additionally, slope stabilization netting and bolts had aged out and required replacement or repair.