Project overview
This project removes and replaces an outdated culvert under US 101 west of Port Angeles at Indian Creek. To keep traffic moving, crews constructed a temporary bypass bridge near the site as the new bridge over Indian Creek is built.
Contractor crews will remove the outdated culvert and replace it with a new 180-foot concrete girder bridge for improved fish migration. Once complete, the work in the channel will simulate what is found in a natural stream bed.
This project restores more than 11 miles in potential habitat gain for migratory species.
What to expect
From 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20 and Thursday, Sept. 22, contractor crews will close the temporary bypass bridge to all traffic. This will allow crews to bring over girders for the new bridge. Travelers can expect to see closures for up to 20 minutes at a time in both directions at eight unscheduled times over the course of the two days.
Otherwise, travelers will use the temporary bypass bridge. A temporary signal will alternate traffic over the bypass through late Fall 2022. Throughout construction, people should expect a reduced speed limit of 25 mph, shifted lanes, road crews working both day and night, and intermittent rolling slowdowns as heavy equipment enters and exits the highway.
A tributary to the Elwha River for salmon and other migratory species, Indian Creek has been identified by biologists as a barrier to fish passage.
