Limited Highway Access Restored
The Washington State Department of Transportation has announced that State Route 542 will resume operations with restricted daytime hours beginning Sunday, December 21. This roadway, commonly known as the Mount Baker Highway, had been shut down earlier this month due to severe weather impacts.
According to transportation officials, the highway will be accessible daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the holiday season. This temporary reopening will provide renewed entry to recreational destinations including the Mt. Baker Ski Area and portions of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Traffic Management and Safety Measures
When travel resumes, motorists will encounter single-lane conditions between mileposts 41 and 44. Traffic control personnel or temporary signals will manage alternating eastbound and westbound vehicle flow through this section, potentially causing travel delays.
WSDOT engineers have assessed the storm-related damage and determined that interim repairs now allow for safe passage under controlled traffic patterns. These temporary fixes will maintain access while more comprehensive restoration plans are developed.
The closure remains effective until 6 a.m. on December 21, with SR 542 still blocked east of Glacier at milepost 35 until that time.
Long-Term Restoration Timeline
Contractors working with the transportation department are formulating strategies for permanent highway repairs. Agency representatives indicate that additional details will be released once plans are finalized, with complete restoration anticipated by early 2026.
