Crews will now begin demolition of nearly 100-year-old original span
PORT ANGELES – Now that the first vehicles have crossed its span, a project almost eight years in the making can be crossed off the list: The long-awaited new bridge over the Elwha River on US 101 is now open to traffic.
At 4 p.m. Sunday, July 21, the brand-new span welcomed its first travelers. Opening the new bridge also marked the end of a nine-day closure that detoured traffic onto state routes 112 and 113.
Opening the new bridge is the culmination of nearly eight years of work by the Washington State Department of Transportation that included public outreach, an environmental review, and design analysis and selection. Construction began in April 2023.
“The US 101 Elwha River Bridge is a critical lifeline that connects Olympic Peninsula communities,” said WSDOT Olympic Region Administrator Steve Roark. “We are thrilled that the bridge is now open for all to enjoy. Opening the new US 101 Elwha River Bridge is the result of long-term commitments and coordination between WSDOT, the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Clallam County and the National Park Service.”
The new bridge is 40 feet wide, which is 12 feet wider than the old bridge. It has two, 12-foot-wide lanes and two, 8-foot-wide shoulders. The project also realigned US 101 near the bridge to create a gentler curve traveling west down the hill approaching the bridge.
WSDOT thanks travelers for their patience and understanding during the nine-day closure. The closure allowed crews to build sections of US 101 that connect to the new bridge.
More work ahead at the Elwha River
Although the new bridge is complete, work will continue at the site. Contractor crews will quickly begin the process of demolishing the old bridge. To do this, crews will temporarily divert the river to one side of the bridge. Crews will then demolish half of the bridge. WSDOT will work to prevent any debris from falling into the river, including construction of platforms beneath the bridge to catch debris.
Once crews remove the bridge and the piers, they will help restore the river to a more natural condition.
Why the bridge was replaced
The original bridge was built in 1926. The Elwha River dramatically changed course and flow during the past few years, leading to significant erosion around the bridge foundations. Replacing the span with a new bridge built to modern standards helps keep people moving around the Olympic Peninsula.
While travelers will see a lot of roadwork around the Olympic Peninsula this summer, WSDOT has tools to help everyone get where they are going. Travelers can sign up for email updates for projects in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
For the most up-to-date information, check the WSDOT app and statewide travel map.