Index-Galena Rd: MP 6.4-6.9 - Flood Damage Repair

April 2023 Update

Snohomish County Public Works has resumed construction to repair the final section of roadway that was heavily damaged during flood events in November 2006. Following a planned winter break, crews began their third and final season to construct elements of the new roadway and bridge between milepost 6 and 7. Work is on schedule for a fall 2023 reopening. As a reminder, this section of Index-Galena Rd remains closed to the public through the end of construction.


Description

The county has repaired 10 of the 11 originally damaged areas from the 2006 heavy rains that severely impaired Index-Galena Road. Currently, milepost 6.4 to 6.9 is the only area left to repair and remains closed to all public access. This portion of road was considered a total loss with significant portions of pavement, road bed, and culverts damaged by the flooding. 


New road work includes nearly one mile of reconstructed roadway, 16 culverts, one reinforced concrete box culvert, a new 180-foot long bridge, geosynthetic reinforced slopes, structural earth walls, and removal of the abandoned road and other man-made materials.


The project will restore a route that maintains essential travel and emergency services on Index-Galena Road and reintroduces recreational access to parts of the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest and the Wild Sky Wilderness area. To learn more about project plans and benefits, please read the 2021 Fact Sheet.


Traffic Impact

Index-Galena Road near the project site remains closed through construction. Seasonal access is available to the east end of Index-Galena Road, via US 2 to Beckler River Road to Jack’s Pass. From the east, the road opens to National Forest lands for general recreation, camping and mineral claims along the North Fork Skykomish, Salmon Creek and Silver Creek drainage basins. Troublesome Creek and San Juan Campground are also accessible from the east. 


Jack Pass Maintenance

Snohomish County is in a ten-year agreement with the USFS to help maintain Beckler River Road which includes the road through Jack Pass. Both agencies meet annually to discuss repairs and maintenance needed to keep the road in working condition. The road through Jack Pass will remain unplowed and closed during the winter months. While seasonal conditions vary from year to year, the pass typically is open to use in late May through early November. 


Funding

Funding is provided by the Federal Highway Administration Emergency Relief Funds, Federal Highway Administration Federal Lands Access Program Funds, Washington State County Road Administration Board (CRAB) Rural Arterial Program Funds, and Snohomish County Road Funds.


Environmental Review Documents

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF THE FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT - The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) signed a determination of Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on April 14, 2017. This finding is based upon the evaluation of the Environmental Assessment (EA) as issued on September 19, 2016, and thoughtful consideration of public and agency input, including comments received at the public hearing on October 12, 2016 for the Index-Galena Road Milepost 6.4-6.9 project.

Documents

For More Information