Project news

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• This fish passage project includes 29 identified streams and culverts that cross under US 101 and State Route 109 in Grays Harbor, Jefferson and Clallam Counties needing correction. Currently, these culverts do not allow fish to cross underneath the highways to access habitat. WSDOT will work with a Design-Build Contractor to identify efficiencies and delivery methods that will accomplish the overall project objectives with the least amount of impacts to travelers. The contractor may elect to bundle multiple fish barriers each year in order to meet the project deadline of fall 2026. Any highway closures will be announced in advance.

Needs & benefits

This project eliminates barriers for fish and provides access to upstream habitat for approximately 29-identified streams or culverts that are out-of-date and needing correction. The end result will simulate what is found in a natural stream bed for salmon and resident fish.

WSDOT and the Design-Build contractor will consult with local stakeholders on potential detour routes and the length of highway closures for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. Once complete, this project will restore nearly 37 miles of potential habitat across the Olympic Peninsula.

Why is WSDOT correcting fish passage barriers under US 101 and SR 109 between Aberdeen and Port Angeles?

Correcting fish passage barriers is an important part of the state's efforts to protect and restore fish runs negatively affected by outdated culverts under state highways. 

In 2013, a federal court injunction required the state to significantly increase the state’s efforts in removing state-owned culverts that block habitat for salmon, bull trout and steelhead.

Replacing the outdated culverts with concrete box-culverts, steel-arched culverts or bridges increases the likelihood of migration through the channels. Fish will be able to pass through easier, as velocity or surface level barriers are reduced and promote healthy habitats for salmon and resident fish. 

The following streams and/or culverts have been identified in collaboration with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for this project in need of correction (please note these culvert locations or preliminary and could change based on the scope of the project and need):

View WSDOT's interactive map of all 29 barriers.

• US 101: Wisen Creek to Sol Duc River at milepost 209.3
• US 101: Unnamed Stream to Dowans Creek at milepost 182.2
• US 101: Unnamed Stream to Dowans Creek at milepost 181.2
• US 101: Grader Creek to Bogachiel River at milepost 189.4
• SR 109: Unnamed Stream to Grass Creek at milepost 6.91
• US 101: Unnamed Stream to Stevens Creek at milepost 111.3
• SR 109: Unnamed Stream to Little Hoquiam River at milepost 4.46
• SR 109: Unnamed Stream to Pacific Ocean at milepost 37.43
• SR 109: Unnamed Stream to Pacific Ocean at milepost 27.05
• SR 109: Unnamed Stream to Boone Creek at milepost 24.56
• SR 109: Unnamed Stream to Connor Creek at milepost 19.4
• SR 109: Unnamed Stream to Pacific Ocean at milepost 33.87
• SR 109: Unnamed Stream to Pacific Ocean at milepost 36.43
• SR 109: Wain Creek to Pacific Ocean at milepost 33.1
• SR 109: Unnamed Stream to Pacific Ocean at milepost 36.38
• US 101: Harlow Creek to Queets River at milepost 142.7
• US 101: Harlow Creek to Queets River at milepost 142.5
• US 101: Crane Creek to Raft River at milepost 137.4
• US 101: Unnamed Stream to Lunch Creek at milepost 135.3
• US 101: Lunch Creek to Raft River at milepost 135.7
• US 101: Unnamed Stream to Pacific Ocean at milepost 163.1
• US 101: Unnamed Stream to Queets River at milepost 152.5
• US 101: Unnamed Stream to WF Hoquiam River at milepost 98.47
• US 101: Unnamed Stream to Big Creek at milepost 103
• US 101: Unnamed Stream to Braden Creek at milepost 169.5
• US 101: Unnamed Stream to Hoh River at milepost 171.3
• US 101: Unnamed Stream to WF Hoquiam River at milepost 99.45

The End Result

The existing stream channels identified will simulate natural streambeds for improved fish migration. The work will potentially open up nearly 37 miles of upstream habitat for several fish species.

Timeline

Due to the size and scope of this progressive Design-Build project, the work will occur over a five-year period. All in-stream work will occur during approved Department of Fish and Wildlife's "Fish Windows" to minimize impacts to aquatic species. Timelines are subject to change.

• Aug. 2020 – Project advertised for competitive bidding
• Jan. 2021 - Design Builder selection
• March 2021 – Design begins
• Summer 2022 – Construction begins
• Fall 2026 -  Most work complete

Funding

Funding for design, right-of-way, permitting and construction will be made available after the contract is awarded.