Project news

• Beginning in spring of 2021, contractor crews will repair and resurface a nearly 10-mile stretch of State Route 109 near Ocean Shores. Additionally, crews will conduct routine maintenance work to five crossings along the corridor as part of WSDOT's bridge preservation program.
• Chip sealing is a more cost-effective solution to preserve the condition of the highway for taxpayers at one-fifth of the price of traditional paving.
• Travelers should expect alternating conditions through fall of 2021. Crews will accommodate those who walk or roll through a work zone. 
• Stay informed with Grays Harbor County construction and travel news by email.

Needs & benefits

Approximately 6,100 vehicles a day travel along SR 109 to and from the coastal beaches of Grays Harbor County, with the greatest number of travelers visiting Ocean Shores. It has been nearly 15 years since SR 109 between milepost 6.5 and 16.9 have been paved. Chip sealing will extend the useful life of the roadway for years to come.

In addition to these roadway repairs, crews will also make repairs to the driving surface of the following bridges along SR 109:

• Chenois Creek Bridge – milepost 8.7
• Gillis Slough Bridge – milepost 10.02
• Jessie Slough Bridge – milepost 10.8
• Humptulips River Bridge – milepost 10.2
• Connor Creek Bridge – milepost 16.9

Chip Seals (or seal coating, BST, Bituminous Surface Treatment) is the application of a special protective wearing surface to an existing pavement.

Why chip seal?

• To keep water from penetrating the road structure on paved surfaces.
• To fill and seal cracks and raveled surfaces of old pavement.
• To provide an anti-glare surface during wet weather and an increased reflective surface for night driving.
• To seal the pavement surface-minimizing the effects of aging.
• To provide a highly skid-resistant surface, particularly on wet pavements.
• The cost of chip seals is 15%-20% of the cost of pavement overlays.

During construction, drivers will encounter single lane closures with flaggers throughout the work zone during weekday daytime hours. Any highway closures or potential detours will be announced in advance.

Reduced Speeds

As with any highway construction project, travelers must exercise caution. Reduced speeds ensure safety and minimize the chance of vehicle damage. During the chip seal process, from the time the gravel is placed on the road to when the excess is swept away, the speed limit is 35 mph. At that speed, vehicles should not be damaged by flying rocks. Traffic moving at higher speeds can create dust, limit visibility, and cause an inconvenience to local residents. Increased speeds can also cause gravel to break loose from a fresh chip seal creating the risk of flying rock.

By driving 35 mph, vehicles are protected from unnecessary damage that can be caused by the sprayed asphalt and loose gravel. The slower speed also decreases the chance of damage from rocks which may be thrown up from other vehicles.

It takes time and patience
Please be patient when traveling in work zones. Traveling at the posted construction speed limit in construction zones will ensure traveler safety and the safety of highway workers. It's also the law. Traffic fines are doubled in construction zones. Obeying warning signs and flagging personnel instructions benefits all those who share the roadway.

Timeline

• Jan. 2021 – Project anticipated to be advertised for competitive bids
• Feb. 2021 - Construction contract awarded.
• Spring 2021 – Construction begins
• Fall 2021 – Most construction complete

Funding