WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The North Cascades Highway is back open after another extended delay.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) says that the nine-mile stretch between Granite Creek and the Easy Pass Trailhead reopened at noon on Aug. 22.

The road was closed on Aug. 4 due to the combination of the Easy Fire and a mudslide. Over 7,000 tons of debris was removed from the mudslide area to clear the road.

Fire crews continue to battle the Easy Fire near the same part of the highway. Recent rains and cooler temperatures have allowed the fire to be 36% contained as of Aug. 22.

WSDOT says if drivers plan to drive through Highway 20, they should be aware of lower speed limits between mileposts 150 and 154 due to the Easy Fire.