Mountain Loop Highway to Open Early 03/28/2014

With all of the snow falling and will be falling in all of the Washington mountains I find it hard to believe that anyone would want to head that way. Get a grip.

Correct me if I'm wrong but 530 from Darrington to Concrete isn't blocked right? Why would they be moving equipment and locals down the MLH? Yeah, its a little closer to what, I-5?. Seems like going in and out via Concrete makes more sense. Especially since the road is pretty good and not as wiggly as the road down to Granite Falls. Some of the pictures over on that NWHikers post make it look like the MLH might not be open for long if the rain is determined.

Not trying to incite flames here. Just curious about why the MLH is a better option than 20>530.

I think you already answered your question, Chuck. It is a lot closer to Everett (and places to the south). For a lot of the equipment, they will go the other way around (all paved). But if you had a pickup truck full of small gear (shovels, etc.) or a van full of workers, then going via the MLH probably saves you an hour.

I think Jim has the right idea. This really isn't the time to be on the road. They are still trying to recover bodies. But at some point, this will likely stop, and traveling on the road (a long ways from the accident) wouldn't be a problem. As far as pullouts go, bring a shovel and make your own space (always a good idea). Don't assume you are the only one who wants to use the side road, either (don't block the road even if it is blocked by something else).