Reopening of North Cascades Highway delayed

DARRINGTON — Avalanche danger on the North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) has delayed the annual reopening of the road.

The state Department of Transportation plans to start clearing the snowed-in 34-mile stretch of Highway 20 on April 11. The work is expected to take up to six weeks. The highway has been closed since Dec. 1.

Many drivers take Highway 530 through Darrington to get to Highway 20.

The spring opening is shaping up to be the latest in 20 years for the North Cascades Highway. Snowfall in March is part of the problem, a highway spokesman said. The highway department’s avalanche crew and snow-clearing equipment can’t move from Stevens Pass to the North Cascades until the threat of snow and avalanche danger subsides, spokesman Dustin Terpening said.

For maps, pictures, frequently asked questions and a history of opening dates for the North Cascades Highway, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/northcascades/.