Drivers heading toward Mount Baker in the coming weeks may see significant delays — and one multi-day shutdown — as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) begins emergency repairs on State Route 542 east of Glacier in Whatcom County.

In a Jan. 2026 alert, WSDOT said flood damage left two sections of SR 542 (the Mount Baker Highway) needing emergency work. Repairs were expected to begin Monday, Jan. 19, with traffic alternating through most of the construction — but one of the repair sites is expected to require a full closure of the highway for five days.

WSDOT’s announcement: https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2026/repairs-sr-542-sections-damaged-floods-expected-begin-monday-jan-19-east-glacier

Why this matters in Cowlitz County

SR 542 isn’t a Cowlitz County road — it’s on the north side of the state — but closures and delays on major recreation corridors ripple statewide. Local residents routinely travel for work, school breaks, winter recreation, and family trips, and sudden emergency closures can upend plans and increase pressure on other mountain routes.

If you’re planning travel from southwest Washington to the North Cascades region (or coordinating visitors coming through), it’s worth checking the status of SR 542 before leaving. Depending on timing, drivers may need to reroute or postpone trips entirely.

What WSDOT says to expect

  • Work start: WSDOT expected emergency repairs to begin Monday, Jan. 19.
  • Traffic impacts: Eastbound and westbound traffic were expected to alternate through most of the construction.
  • Full closure: One repair section was expected to require a five-day full closure of SR 542.

Because WSDOT’s schedules can shift with weather and site conditions — especially during flood recovery work — travelers should treat posted timelines as subject to change.

How to stay informed

For the most current travel and closure information, use WSDOT’s official channels, including the news release linked above and WSDOT traveler updates (such as its statewide travel alerts and highway information services).

Emergency repairs are, by definition, reactive — and they’re a reminder that extreme weather and infrastructure fragility hit working people first. When routes close, the costs show up as lost time, missed shifts, canceled plans, and additional fuel money. As the state moves through repair season, transparency on timelines and detours matters as much as the repairs themselves.

Sources: WSDOT news release (Jan. 2026): https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2026/repairs-sr-542-sections-damaged-floods-expected-begin-monday-jan-19-east-glacier