For the safety of drivers and maintenance crews, the Washington State Department of Transportation has pushed back the reopening date for Cayuse Pass on State Route 123 to Friday, April 3.

WSDOT tentatively planned to reopen Cayuse Pass on March 27. While crews had already began work to clear debris from the roadway and repave damaged sections of asphalt, next week’s snow-filled forecast will slow efforts to get the pass ready for an early spring opening.

“Drivers should know that the target reopening date could change again due to unpredictable spring storms, avalanche danger and landslide movement,” said Assistant Regional Administrator Dave McCormick.

WSDOT maintenance crews are still on track to reopen nearby Chinook Pass by Friday, April 3. Chinook and Cayuse passes closed for the season Nov. 24, 2014. The scheduled reopening date remains historically early for both passes.

Hyperlinks within the release:

• Cayuse Pass www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/cayuse/
• Chinook Pass www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/chinook
• Chinook and Cayuse passes opening and closing dates www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/passdates.htm