INDEX — It’s no joke: Snohomish County plans to open Index-Galena Road on April 1.
In a press release Friday, the county said the gates at mileposts 10 and 14 will reopen Monday morning.
“A mild winter has made for a shorter-than-expected closure of a reconstructed road in east county, paving the way for residents and recreators alike to enjoy what has been closed to them for nearly two decades,” the county press release said.
On Nov. 4, a 1-mile section of Index-Galena Road reopened after 17 years. The key part of the loop had been closed since a severe storm in 2006. The closure meant locals had to detour nearly 40 miles to reach cabins and homes.
The county installed a new 180-foot bridge as part of the project. Crews removed asphalt from the old washout and placed new culverts. They also planted trees and restored habitat.
The new section of Index-Galena Road is smoother and connects Index with parts of the Wild Sky Wilderness and areas inside Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest that have been hard to access for almost two decades. The project cost about $29 million, and construction took place over a three-year period.
Troublesome Creek Campground, San Juan Campground and Blanca Lake, with its turquoise waters, are all easier to get to.
“It was exciting when Index-Galena Road formally opened in November after so many years of waiting, even though it had to be closed for winter,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said in a release. “Now, with spring finally upon us, residents, travelers, and recreation enthusiasts can enjoy a full season of what they waited years to experience. All of Public Works joins with residents in and visitors to the Index-Galena area to celebrate a new chapter of recreation in our beautiful county.”
Jordan Hansen: 425-339-3046; jordan.hansen@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jordyhansen.
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