PORT ANGELES — Changing field conditions and successful drilling efforts have caused WSDOT to move forward with a two-hour closure today of the U.S. Highway 101 Elwha River bridge.
From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. today [Wednesday, Oct. 12], U.S. 101 will be closed to all traffic at the bridge at milepost 239. During those two hours, drill crews will use the bridge deck to lift drilling equipment from the riverbed and onto trucks.
Earlier today, WSDOT announced the closure would occur tomorrow, but crews have decided to demobilize in advance of a storm system moving into the area.
The equipment has been used to determine the extent of erosion since two dams were removed from the Elwha River.
During this afternoon’s closure, motorists are advised to detour via state Highway 112 and state Highway 113.
No additional bridge closures are scheduled in the near future.
Updated information will be posted on the What’s Happening in the Olympic Region web page. Real-time information is available from the WSDOT Travel Alerts web page and by following the WSDOT regional Twitter feed.
