Emergency repairs are underway on two of Washington state’s major highways after severe flooding caused extensive damage to roadways serving mountain communities.
The Washington State Department of Transportation says emergency repairs will begin Monday, December 22, on State Route 410 east of Enumclaw. Currently, only one lane of alternating traffic is getting through using the shoulder.
Emergency repairs include rebuilding the foundation of the roadway and repaving the road surface, according to WSDOT. Once construction begins, contractors will work around the clock to complete the repairs and restore travel in the eastbound lane.
The highway closed Wednesday, December 10, between Enumclaw and Greenwater, mileposts 25 through 43, due to flooding on the roadway. The eastbound lane of SR 410 was severely eroded by floodwater near milepost 26, WSDOT officials said.
On Tuesday, December 16, crews reopened the highway with a single lane of alternating traffic, providing limited access while repair work is planned.
On US 2, the road remains closed between Skykomish and Leavenworth, a 50-mile stretch that serves as a critical east-west connection over the Cascade Mountains.
“We’re going to do everything we possibly can to repair it as quickly as possible, but there’s major issues on that roadway,” said Governor Bob Ferguson.
WSDOT crews began work Saturday to address damage caused by numerous washouts along the highway. The emergency contract with Granite Construction covers a 2-mile stretch of road between mileposts 52 and 54 just east of Skykomish.
Crews will work to remove debris and make streambed repairs. The work is expected to take at least 30 days, with crews working around the clock, WSDOT said.
The SR 410 closure and limited reopening has significant impacts on communities east of Enumclaw that depend on the highway for access. The road serves as the main route to Mount Rainier National Park’s White River entrance and connects to communities like Greenwater and Crystal Mountain ski resort.
The severe erosion near milepost 26 indicates floodwaters undercut the roadway foundation, washing away soil and support material beneath the pavement surface. This type of damage requires complete reconstruction rather than simple patching.
The single-lane alternating traffic on the shoulder represents a temporary solution that allows some access while full repairs are planned. However, this configuration creates delays and limits the types of vehicles that can safely pass.
The December 22 start date for around-the-clock repairs means contractors will be working through the holidays. The urgency reflects both the importance of the route and the need to complete work before winter weather potentially complicates construction.
The US 2 closure between Skykomish and Leavenworth represents a far more serious situation given the length of the closure and the critical nature of this highway. US 2 serves as one of only a few year-round routes across the Cascades.
Governor Ferguson’s acknowledgment of “major issues” on US 2 suggests damage extends beyond what can be quickly repaired. Multiple washouts along the route mean crews must address numerous problem areas rather than a single failure point.
The emergency contract with Granite Construction indicates WSDOT moved quickly to secure a major contractor capable of mobilizing equipment and workers for around-the-clock operations. Emergency contracts allow expedited procurement without the typical lengthy bidding process.
The 2-mile stretch between mileposts 52 and 54 represents the most critical damaged section, but it may not be the only area requiring work. WSDOT may be prioritizing this section to reopen the highway as quickly as possible.
Streambed repairs mentioned in the work scope suggest rivers or creeks damaged not just the roadway but also the watercourses themselves. Stabilizing streambeds prevents future erosion that could undermine repairs.
