Fall weather has created instability in a slope along State Route 542/Mount Baker Highway near Glacier. With additional wet weather in the forecast, crews are starting emergency work to repair the area and prevent damage that could cause more costly repairs.
Washington State Department of Transportation contractor crews from Strider Construction will move equipment to the area, milepost 45, east of Glacier on Friday, Dec. 15. Crews will close the eastbound lane and begin daylight work to stabilize the area. Traffic will alternate through the open lane around-the-clock using flaggers or a temporary signal until this work is complete.
WSDOT knows this is a busy time of year on the Mount Baker Highway as skiers and snowboarders head up to Mount Baker Ski Area. Crews will prioritize eastbound traffic each morning and westbound traffic in the afternoon through the work zone. Travelers who aren’t headed to the ski area, should consider altering their travel times to avoid these peak periods.
Crews will work daylight hours seven days a week and hope to finish this repair by Christmas. The amount of time needed to complete this work could change based on weather conditions. Funding for this emergency work will come from state funds.
Drivers can get real-time traffic information about this area on their phone with the WSDOT traffic app and by following the WSDOT North Twitter feed.