A snow machine cruises down a snow covered SR 20 North Cascades Highway under Liberty Bell mountain and its avalanche chute number three. Snow levels were measured at about 8’ deep on the road in this location during this March 2020 assessment trip. (Washington State Department of Transportation)

A snow machine cruises down a snow covered SR 20 North Cascades Highway under Liberty Bell mountain and its avalanche chute number three. Snow levels were measured at about 8’ deep on the road in this location during this March 2020 assessment trip. (Washington State Department of Transportation)

Highway across North Cascades opens after seasonal closure

Work had stopped March 26 during a statewide stay-home order to limit the spread of COVID-19.

  • Robert Mittendorf The Bellingham Herald (Bellingham, Wash.)
  • Wednesday, May 13, 2020 6:15am
  • Northwest

By Robert Mittendorf / The Bellingham Herald

State Highway 20 is clear of snow and opened to traffic Tuesday, May 12, the Washington State Department of Transportation said online.

Also called the North Cascades Highway, Highway 20 is the northernmost route linking Eastern and Western Washington across the Cascades Range.

Seasonal snow clearing began March 2 on the east side and was to have started March 30 on the west side, but work stopped March 26 during a statewide stay-home order to limit the spread of the new coronavirus.

Clearing resumed without public notice on April 13, WSDOT said because Highway 20 is a main east-west transportation route and is considered essential.

Opening ceremonies usually are widely publicized and create something of a carnival atmosphere as west-side residents look forward to the warm, dry weather of the east side and access to popular trails and campsites.

This year, however, WSDOT has downplayed the event in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and statewide stay-home orders that limit all but essential travel.

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