The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) plans to reopen US 12, which crosses White Pass, in time for the holidays at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
It has taken WSDOT crews just two weeks to repair the devastating slope failures that closed the route over White Pass. The crews are still facing significant challenges due to the heavy snow predicted by the weather forecast. Still, they are confident that despite the snowy weather, they will be able to reopen US 12.
Unless there are serious weather problems, the White Pass Ski Area will also be fully operational, starting Wednesday. Both of its Nordic and Alpine facilities will be able to accept skiers. People who are residing in the Village Inn and the White Pass RV parking lot may be able to access the facilities late Tuesday afternoon.
Since all of the repairs will not be finished, there will be a permanent repair to US 12 by next summer.
Drivers should be aware that they will have minor delays in traffic. People driving semi-trucks are not yet allowed on the route. Traffic traveling on US 12 will need to obey a temporary traffic light, which will direct drivers along a single lane through the repaired areas. This applies to the west as well as the east portions of the pass.
