NORTH CASCADES, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Spring is just around the corner and that means it’s almost time for this popular travel route to reopen.

Crews will begin work to clear the North Cascades Highway next Monday, March 25.

WSDOT says crews checked highway conditions earlier this month to decide on when to begin the work. They report that this year’s snowpack is lighter than normal, which could mean a quicker opening effort than the usual 6 to 8 weeks.

Anyone that has a snowmobile parked behind the closure point is being asked to move it before crews get to work. Those looking to recreate behind the closure point starting next week must do so outside of working hours, which will be Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WSDOT adds the highway will still see maintenance throughout its open season and recommends that drivers sign up for travel advisories or monitor its real time travel map.