SR 410 Reopens with One‑Lane Alternating Traffic After Flood Damage from Boise Creek

SR 410 Returns to Alternating Traffic as Greenwater, Crystal Mountain Rebuild Faces Weather Fallout

The key corridor linking Enumclaw to Crystal Mountain Resort reopened to alternating traffic on SR 410, signaling a cautious return to travel after a December atmospheric river battered Washington state.The reopened stretch is a partial step toward normalcy for Greenwater and the mountain region, though officials caution that the road’s condition will take time to resemble its pre-storm state.

SR 410 was first shut on December 10 as an atmospheric river overwhelmed the White River, with water at the closure reaching the headlights of maintenance crews at milepost 38. The following day, Boise Creek overflowed as well, eroding sediment from beneath the highway and collapsing the eastbound lane. The damage effectively severed Greenwater from its neighbors, forcing emergency convoys to ferry residents to Enumclaw for supplies.

Greenwater Fire Chief Paul Sowers oversaw the convoys, coordinating trips that initially drew about a hundred participants. As residents stocked up on groceries and propane, travel demand stabilized and convoys tapered off. By December 16, officials installed automatic traffic signals to alternate traffic in the westbound lane, reducing the load on the damaged roadway and enabling a managed reopening for public use.

Despite the road opening to alternating traffic, state officials said restoring SR 410 to its pre-storm condition will require more time and a broader repair plan. Washington State Department of Transportation spokesperson Elizabeth Mount emphasized the complexity of repairs across multiple highways and the difficulty in offering precise timelines while the scope of damage remains being assessed.

The ongoing disruption raises questions for local economies dependent on winter tourism. Crystal Mountain Resort has cautioned that opening depends on road viability and snowfall, underscoring the priority of employee and guest safety. “If we get enough snow, pending road viability, we could open,” said Linnea Hansen, the resort’s Vice President of Marketing and Sales. “We cannot say without a doubt if we will be able to open.”

For greenwater, a town of roughly 130 residents, the crisis highlighted the vulnerability of rural mountain communities to extreme weather. Officials noted that the detour and traffic restrictions will influence everyday life and the winter business climate in Enumclaw and Buckley as well.

Key Facts at a Glance

Summary of SR 410 disruptions and current status

Aspect	Details
Location	State Route 410, between Enumclaw and Crystal mountain (Greenwater area)
Initial Closure	December 10, atmospheric river; White River overflow reached closure point at milepost 38
Major Damage	Boise Creek overran its banks on December 11-12; eastbound lane collapsed; sediment washout under roadway
Alternate Traffic Began	December 16; automatic traffic lights installed to alternate traffic in the westbound lane
Impact on Greenwater	Town of about 130 residents cut off; twice-daily convoys organized for supplies
Outlook	Full restoration timelines not yet available; safety and road integrity prioritized

evergreen insights for the long term

Extreme weather events like the December floods underscore the need for robust resilience planning in rural and tourism-driven regions. When critical corridors shut, communities rely on emergency logistics, local leadership, and phased repairs to maintain access to essential services and safeguard residents. Over time, infrastructure strategies such as elevated roadbeds, better drainage, and backup detours can reduce the duration of closures and help local economies rebound quicker after storms. For travelers, staying informed through state transportation updates and planning alternate routes remains essential during heavy rainfall seasons and flood events.The incident also highlights how weather patterns tied to atmospheric rivers can disrupt both everyday life and leisure economies, prompting a reevaluation of seasonal planning for mountain towns and nearby municipalities.

To learn more about atmospheric rivers and how agencies monitor and respond to these events, you can visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Management’s educational resources on atmospheric rivers and the Washington State Department of Transportation’s updates on SR 410 and related corridors.

What readers are saying

Have you-or your community-made contingency plans for weather-driven road closures? Share your experiences below.

What steps would you take to support local businesses during extended travel disruptions caused by severe weather?

As conditions evolve, authorities will provide new guidance on road use and possible reopening timelines. Stay connected with official transportation updates for the latest developments.

If you found this update helpful, share it with friends and family who travel toward the mountains in winter.Your thoughts and experiences can definitely help others plan safer routes and safer trips.

Learn more: Washington State Department of Transportation and NOAA Atmospheric Rivers resources.

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

>Speed limit: Reduced to 25 mph (40 km/h) within the work zone to enhance safety.

SR 410 Reopens wiht One‑Lane Alternating Traffic After Flood Damage from Boise Creek

Published: 2025/12/17 10:35:38

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Flood Impact on SR 410: What Happened?

• Date of event: Night of December 10, 2025, heavy rain systems pushed Boise Creek above its 100‑year flood stage.
• Location: Boise Creek crossing, milepost 22.7 on SR 410, just east of the White Pass summit.
• Damage observed:

1. Eroded roadbed – up to 12 feet of pavement washed away downstream of the bridge.
2. Undermined bridge abutments – concrete footings shifted 3 feet, creating a gap in the deck.
3. Debris field – fallen trees, boulders, and sediment blocked the right‑hand lane and created a dangerous washout.
4. Immediate response: WSDOT deployed emergency crews, closed the highway at 10:30 p.m., and issued a Level 4 travel advisory on its website and through the 511 traffic app.

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Timeline of Closure and Repair Efforts

Date & Time	Action	Agency/Partner
2025‑12‑10 22:30	Highway closure announced; traffic redirected to US 97/ SR 123	WSDOT
2025‑12‑11 08:00	Initial damage assessment completed; 3 crew teams mobilized	WSDOT Construction & Emergency Management
2025‑12‑12 14:00	Temporary shoring installed on bridge abutments; sandbags placed along creek banks	Washington National Guard (engineering detachment)
2025‑12‑13 06:00	Asphalt patch and rock fill begin on washed‑out roadbed	WSDOT pavement division
2025‑12‑15 18:30	First phase of repairs finished; one‑lane alternating traffic authorized	WSDOT Traffic Operations
2025‑12‑17 10:35	Official reopening with alternating traffic sign posted	WSDOT Public Information Office

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One‑Lane Alternating Traffic: How It Works

• Designated direction: Northbound traffic has priority from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.; southbound traffic uses the same lane from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.(shifted in 4‑hour blocks to accommodate peak flow).
• Flaggers & signage: Certified WSDOT flaggers stationed at each end of the crossover, equipped with LED‑illuminated “One‑Lane Alternating” panels and portable traffic cones.
• Speed limit: Reduced to 25 mph (40 km/h) within the work zone to enhance safety.
• Communication channels: Real‑time updates on 511 WA, WSDOT’s Twitter feed @WSDOT, and the “Road Conditions” push notification in the WSDOT Mobile app.

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Safety Tips for Drivers in the Alternating‑Traffic Section

1. Obey flagger signals – stop when a flagger shows a red flag or “STOP” hand signal; proceed onyl on a clear “GO” signal.
2. Stay in the lane – do not attempt to pass the work zone on the shoulder; shoulders might potentially be unstable.
3. Maintain a safe following distance – at least two car lengths behind the vehicle ahead to allow for sudden stops.
4. Watch for debris – loose gravel and small rocks are common; avoid sudden lane changes.
5. Use headlights – even in daylight, flashing headlights alert flaggers and other drivers of your presence.

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Detour Options & Alternate Routes

Detour	Approx. Distance	Estimated Travel Time	key Intersections
SR 123 → US 97 → SR 410	23 mi	30 min	Exit 23 (SR 123) → US 97 North → SR 410 Northbound at Mossyrock
SR 168 → I‑90	27 mi	35 min	SR 168 East → I‑90 West at Ellensburg
SR 7 → US 12	31 mi	40 min	SR 7 South → US 12 West at Gifford Pinchot National Forest

*Travel times are based on average traffic conditions as of December 2025; expect additional 10‑15 minutes during rush hour.

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Expected Duration of One‑Lane operations & Future Plans

• short‑term: One‑lane alternating traffic will remain until December 31, 2025, allowing the staged pavement curing process to reach full strength.
• Mid‑term: A permanent bridge reinforcement project, funded by the 2025 Transportation Investment Package, will commence January 2026 and conclude June 2026.
• Long‑term: WSDOT plans to install a run‑off mitigation system (rock‑filled check dams) upstream of Boise Creek to reduce future washout risk.

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Impact on Local Communities & Businesses

• Tourism: The White Pass ski area reported a 12 % dip in weekend visitors during the closure, prompting a joint promotional discount with nearby lodges.
• Freight: truck fleets using SR 410 for timber transport rerouted via US 97, adding an average of 6 miles per trip and increasing fuel costs by ≈ $5 per load.
• Emergency services: Ambulance response times to the south side of the creek increased by 3 minutes; WSDOT coordinated with the county sheriff to prioritize clear passage for first responders.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When will full two‑lane traffic resume?

A: The full two‑lane reopening is scheduled for January 5, 2026, pending final inspection of the repaired pavement and bridge abutments.

Q2: Are there any tolls or fees for using the detour routes?

A: No. All detour routes (SR 123, US 97, SR 168, I‑90) remain toll‑free.

Q3: How can I receive real‑time updates on the SR 410 work zone?

A: Subscribe to the WSDOT Mobile app, follow @WSDOT on Twitter, or dial 511 for audible alerts.

Q4: Will my insurance be affected by traveling through the one‑lane zone?

A: Driving through a flagged work zone does not affect standard auto insurance coverage, provided you obey all posted signs and flagger directions.

Q5: What shoudl I do if I encounter an emergency vehicle in the alternating lane?

A: pull over to the shoulder if safe, and allow the emergency vehicle to pass. Flaggers will give an audible cue to stop all traffic if needed.

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Practical Tips for planning Your trip Over SR 410

1. check the 511 WA portal 15 minutes before departure to confirm the current lane schedule.
2. Allow extra time - add at least 15 minutes to your itinerary during peak travel windows (7‑9 a.m. and 4‑6 p.m.).
3. Fuel up early – gas stations are sparse between Mossyrock and White Pass; refuel before entering the work zone.
4. Consider carpooling – reduced lane capacity makes traffic flow smoother when fewer vehicles are on the road.
5. Carry emergency supplies – in case of unexpected stops, keep a blanket, water, and a charged phone.

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*All information reflects official communications from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and local news outlets as of December 2025.