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Trimaxx Construction Inc. began emergency repairs Wednesday, May 13, at several areas of SR 20 between mileposts 142 and 148 where washouts during December's atmospheric river weather event caused significant damage. Courtesy of WSDOT Photo: Contributed

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Drivers could be back on the North Cascades Highway nearly two weeks early.

State officials now say SR 20 should reopen in both directions by Thursday, June 25, about 10 days ahead of schedule.

Crews are working around the clock on two emergency repair projects. Near Diablo Lake, they are stabilizing a rockslide with steel anchors. Farther east, teams are rebuilding washed-out roadway and repairing pavement, culverts, and guardrail along a six-mile stretch.

The highway has been closed since late April after winter storms triggered washouts and a rockslide that left parts of the road unsafe.

WSDOT said alternating one-lane traffic is not possible because some sections are gone.

The stretch remains closed to drivers, cyclists and hikers while crews work. Officials say some sections could reopen early if conditions allow.

This adjusted reopening date is still expected to be the latest on record for the highway, while the second latest occurred on June 14 in 1974.

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