US 97

A fatal head-on crash on U.S. 97 near Beebe Bridge killed one person and injured another, marking the third serious collision in the area in recent days.

After more than two weeks closed by the Labor Mountain Fire, US 97 Blewett Pass is open again with reduced speeds and pilot car traffic controls.

US 97 closed in both directions as wildfire spreads. Evacuation levels ordered for residents between Ellensburg and Peshastin.

Stay informed about the US 97 Blewett Pass closure due to fire activity. Follow WSDOT instructions for detours.

The roadway will be repaved along the stretch and crews will also perform pavement repairs and planing to the road surface.

Troopers say an SUV pulled out from a side road and entered southbound U.S. 97 without yielding to a northbound motor coach.

Troopers say Jennifer Harris was driving a minivan on U.S. Hwy. 97 when she failed to stop at the intersection with SR 970 and was hit by the semi.

The crash led to a significant backup in the area that for most of the 6am hour. US 97 was blocked for a time, likely while the car and Elk were removed

Troopers say 45-year-old Lester Haney of Mansfield died when his pickup truck left the roadway, hit a tree, and burst into flames.

Marjorie Andrea Acevedo was driving an SUV northbound just past the summit when she hit an oncoming pickup truck while trying to pass a motorhome.