North Cascades Highway reopens after wildfire closure, delays expected

The North Cascades Highway reopened Friday afternoon after a multiday closure due to wildfire activity, state transportation officials announced.

The stretch of State Route 20 near Granite Creek, between mileposts 148 and 157, was closed earlier this week as the Easy Fire threatened the area. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) confirmed the reopening at 1 p.m. local time.

Fire crews continue to work along the highway, removing trees and brush as part of ongoing fire mitigation efforts. As a result, traffic will be controlled by flaggers and pilot cars daily from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with motorists warned to expect delays of up to 30 minutes.

WSDOT officials urged drivers to exercise caution, emphasizing the need to remain alert for fire response and maintenance crews throughout the mountain passes. Motorists are prohibited from pulling off the highway between the affected mileposts, and there are no authorized detours on Forest Service roads.

The department stressed the importance of adhering to all traffic control measures, including never passing flaggers or pilot cars.

The North Cascades Highway is a crucial east-west route through the Cascade Mountain Range, serving as an important link for commerce and tourism in the region. Its reopening comes as work continues to mitigate wildfire risks in the area.