Getting around: Online open house previews busy 2024 Olympic Peninsula construction season

‘Know before you go’ when traveling to ocean beaches; Olympic Peninsula

OLYMPIA – This summer, whether heading to the Hoh Rainforest or windswept Pacific Ocean beaches, travelers will see some additional views through the windshield: orange cones and multiple work zones.

From March through fall, the Washington State Department of Transportation will have multiple fish habitat, safety and preservation projects under construction on seven state highways in five counties.

“The number of work zones travelers will encounter this year around the peninsula is higher than previous years,” said Olympic Region Administrator Steve Roark. “People will reach their destinations, but it will be important to plan for extra travel time.”

To help travelers prepare for the construction, WSDOT has an online open house highlighting 10 projects on US 101, US 12, and State Routes 104, 109, 19, 116 and 108 in Grays Harbor, Clallam, Jefferson, Mason and Thurston counties.

The online open house provides maps and important resources for all travelers to plan ahead and also stay engaged during their journey. Travelers can find out which projects will have reduced speed limits, one-way alternating traffic controlled by a signal or total highway closures with signed detours in place. This information can help travelers alter travel times, if possible, use alternate routes or build in extra travel time to their trips.

Olympic Peninsula online open house information

When: March 2024 to January 2025

Where: https://engage.wsdot.wa.gov/olympic-peninsula-construction/

Free Wi-Fi available

Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

166,800 electric vehicle

registrations in Washington in 2023, up from 114,600 in 2022.

87 wetland compensation sites

actively monitored on 918 acres in 2023.

25,000 safe animal crossings

in the Snoqualmie Pass East Project area since 2014.