Contractor crews are currently building the access roads needed to begin bridge construction.
Travelers can expect to see intermittent one-way alternating traffic near the Elwha River Bridge from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 30 through Friday, June 2.
Project overview
WSDOT will replace the US 101 Elwha River Bridge in Port Angeles after serving the community for nearly a century. Replacing the bridge will ensure that the US 101 route continues to be a reliable transportation facility for decades to come.
The new bridge will be 40 feet wide and accommodate two 12-foot lanes with two-8 foot shoulders (the current bridge is 28 feet wide). A wider bridge will create a more comfortable crossing for travelers and provide adequate shoulder room for bicyclists and pedestrians. Additionally, the new alignment with US 101/Olympic Hot Springs Road will have a more gentle curvature, with a higher design speed (35 mph) at the east end of the bridge.
What to expect
Work on the new bridge began on April 17. Since then, crews have been clearing the area to build access roads. Travelers should expect to see intermittent one-way alternating traffic with flaggers near the current bridge. These roads will allow them to begin drilling shafts for the outer piers of the new bridge. This will likely begin in mid-June.
Towards the end of bridge construction - likely in late 2024 - US 101 will need to close for 9 days to allow crews to complete the tie ends and final paving. During this brief closure, travelers will detour using State Route 112 and SR 113.
The US 101 Elwha River Bridge sits at the heart of the Olympic Peninsula, and is a major lifeline for travelers between Forks and Port Angeles.
