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Crews will close both directions of US 2 at Anderson Creek Bridge east of Gold Bar in Snohomish County while they remove a massive concrete panel from the side of the highway.

To avoid long delays, drivers should postpone their trips on US 2 or choose alternate routes if possible. At 8 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, crews will start alternating traffic and then close both directions of US 2 at 9 a.m. for up to one hour.

Following the full closure, crews will alternate traffic for up to two hours. Crews will use two large tow trucks to remove the panel. Skiers headed to Stevens Pass from the Seattle area should plan to be east of Gold Bar before 8 a.m. or delay their trip until after 11 a.m.

Truck traffic should consider using I-90 to get over the Cascades. On Sunday, Dec. 27, a semi-truck jackknifed, losing the 56,000 pound panel. US 2 was closed for several hours while crews moved the panel off the road and set it alongside the road and removed the truck. The panel was too heavy for any WSDOT equipment to move.

The collision also caused minor damage to the Anderson Creek Bridge. As early as next week, drivers can expect single-lane closures while maintenance crews repair the damage.

Drivers can call 5-1-1 for updated information on the closure or visit our Web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts/pugetsound.aspx.