Long Road Ahead: Highway 2's Big Repair Challenge

A big chunk of Highway 2, stretching about 49 miles between Skykomish and Leavenworth, is shut down. This isn't a quick fix. It's going to take months, maybe even longer. The damage is serious. Some parts of the road are completely gone. There's a bridge buried under tons of debris. And near Tumwater Canyon, the ground is still moving, causing more erosion. Why is this such a big deal? Well, Highway 2 is a major route. It's not just about getting from point A to point B. It's about people's lives, their jobs, and the local economy. December is usually the busiest time for businesses in Leavenworth. With the road closed, they're worried about losing out on big profits.The storm that caused all this mess was intense. It brought heavy rain, mud, and debris. It even forced Leavenworth to cancel its winter festivities for a while. Power went out all over the town. But now, things are slowly getting back to normal. The Village of Lights is back on, but the road is still a big problem. The governor and the state's transportation head are aware of the situation. They know how important it is to fix the road as soon as possible. But they're also realistic. They say the damage is severe. In some places, the road is literally underwater. It's going to take time and a lot of work to get it back to normal. So, what's next? Crews are working hard to assess the damage and start repairs. But with the scale of the destruction, it's clear that this is going to be a long process. For now, drivers will have to find alternative routes. And for the people and businesses along Highway 2, patience and resilience will be key.