BRINNON — Dorothy Land sees this weekend’s Hood Canal Bridge construction closure as having huge business potential for Brinnon and Quilcene.
Like many others trying to make a living in the two Hood Canal communities, Land is poised in a wait-and-see mode.
“We’re either going to be jammed or have nothing at all,” says Land, who for 22 years has co-owned Halfway House Restaurant with her husband, Reuben.
“We’re going to treat it like we’re going into a Labor Day weekend,” Land said.
“I think we’re going to have plenty of food in the building.
“We’re gearing up with extras so we don’t run out of anything on the menu.
“Lot’s of pie and cobbler,” she added with a chuckle.
Safe, busy weekend?
She and other Brinnon and Quilcene merchants voiced a recurring theme — that it be a safe weekend of increased traffic.
Judy Mackey hopes that is the case.
Mackey, Quilcene-Brinnon Chamber of Commerce president, said the state Department of Transportation should be praised for upgrading Highway 101 in anticipation of future bridge closures, including the six-week closure to replace the bridge’s eastern half later this decade.
Mackey cited Highway 101 widening and safety upgrades at Mount Walker Road leading to the popular summit that features a spectacular view of Hood Canal.
She says business owners in Quilcene are grateful for the addition of a left-turn lane in the middle of Highway 101 through the community’s commercial district.
As for the bridge closure, Mackey says, “I guess time will tell.”
Two closures this month
Come what may, Land and other business owners along the Highway 101 gateway leading into East Jefferson County and North Olympic Peninsula are going to experience the first of two three-day Hood Canal Bridge closures this month.
Besides this weekend’s, which starts at 8 p.m. today and is scheduled to last until 4 a.m. Monday, a weekday closure is planned Sunday through Thursday, Aug. 21-25.
And most of the driving options around the bridge closure will bring Peninsula residents and tourists through Brinnon and Quilcene.