Update: Following an in-depth inspection, the Washington State Department of Transportation has reopened the US 101 Elwha River Bridge to all travelers the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 17.
WSDOT will inspect the structure to determine next steps
PORT ANGELES – Due to high flood waters, the US 101 Elwha River Bridge is closed as a safety precaution to all travelers. Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews closed the bridge after 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 15.
Before reopening, WSDOT must first determine if the flood waters and debris have eroded the support structure. This will be planned as soon as it is safe for structural engineers to access the area and evaluate the bridge piers for signs of scour.
With traffic barricades in place on US 101, travelers want to check the WSDOT app or the real time state-wide travel map for the status of State Route 112 as a possible detour around the closed section of highway. Travelers are also encouraged to reschedule discretionary trips if possible.
Plans for replacement continue
WSDOT continues efforts to replace the 1920s era span. The Elwha River in recent years dramatically changed course and flow, leading to erosion around the bridge’s piers.
Real-time traveler information is also available on the WSDOT regional Twitter feed.