Nearly 50 miles of US Highway 101 between Hoodsport in Mason County and Highway 104 in Jefferson County remains closed to traffic after heavy snow the evening of Jan. 2 knocked down power lines and trees onto the highway.

Since then, Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews have worked side by side with public utility crews to remove downed power lines and debris from the highway.

Crews have made substantial progress repairing power lines and clearing debris from the highway, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 5, approximately five miles of US 101 just north of Hoodsport were impassable due to power lines and trees on the highway.

Because of the terrain, winter conditions, and the lack of available space for vehicles to turn around, the closure points near Milepost 284 on Highway 104 and Milepost 332 near Highway 119 will remain in place until utility crews finish repairs and the highway is clear of debris.

Travelers are advised to use Highway 3 and Highway 104 as alternate routes. Drivers are reminded to respect the "Road Closed" signs. Only local traffic is permitted.

State transportation crews and local utility crews are working to reopen the highway as quickly and safely as possible, officials said.

If weather permits, crews expect to reopen the closed section of US 101 by the end of Thursday, Jan. 6.

Officials noted that another winter weather system is moving in has the potential to bring more heavy snow and rain to the area that may affect reopening the highway.

Travelers can get real-time information about state highways at wsdot.wa.gov/travel/know-before-you-go/mobile-app and wsdot.com/Travel/Real-time/Map/.