Project news

• Beginning as early as June, contractor crews will repair and resurface a nearly 10-mile stretch of State Route 109 near Ocean Shores. Additionally, crews will conduct routine maintenance 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 late fall. 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 and Seabrook. It has been nearly 15 years since this stretch of highway 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 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 traditional paving.

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

Reduced Speeds

As with any highway construction project, travelers must exercise caution. The slower speed also decreases the chance of damage from rocks which may be thrown up from other vehicles.

It takes time and patience
Traffic fines are doubled in construction zones. Obeying warning signs and flagging personnel instructions benefits all those who share the roadway.

Timeline

• March 2021 – Contract advertised for competitive bids.
• June 2021 – Construction begins.
• Fall 2021 – Most construction complete