News

WSDOT issues travel advisory for Village of Lights

Posted Monday, November 25, 2024 7:09 pm

NCW News
Ward Media

LEAVENWORTH – US-2 through Leavenworth will see longer travel times starting Nov. 29 due to pedestrian and car traffic from the annual Village of Lights: Christmastown festival, warned the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) in a travel advisory.

High traffic volumes and festival activities will require traffic control on Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Turn restrictions include right-turns only from Front Street at the US-2 and Chumstick Highway signal. Left turns from Front Street onto US-2 and through movements from Front Street to Chumstick Highway will not be permitted.

“Traffic signals are programmed to prioritize highway traffic and travelers are advised to use US-2 and not attempt to use local roads as short cuts,” a WSDOT advisory stated.

The advisory encouraged visitors to park at Link Transit’s free park and ride facilities and utilize Link’s fare-free service, which offers trips between Wenatchee and Leavenworth seven days a week. All Link service between Wenatchee and Leavenworth between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.on November 29 and 30 will terminate at the Wilkommen Park-and-Ride behind Safeway. Route 32 Leavenworth Local service will operate from Wilkommen into town with extra buses on these two days.

This advisory follows a recent announcement from the City of Leavenworth of temporary parking restrictions within city limits to allow for dedicated emergency response routes in the area. 

Parking restrictions will be in place Friday through Sunday on the weekends of Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, Dec. 20 and Dec. 27. No parking on either side will be permitted on Pine Street from Fir Street to Ski Hill Drive, Ski Hill Drive from Evans Street to Pine Street, Evans Street from Ski Hill Drive to Highway 2, and Commercial Street from Division Street to 14th Street. 

Additionally, no left turn will be allowed from North Road onto Chumstick Highway on Friday, Nov. 29 and every Saturday in December.