PORT ANGELES — Drivers will continue to encounter intermittent 1-2 hour closures of the Elwha River Bridge on U.S. Highway 101 west of Port Angeles starting as early as 9 a.m. Monday and continuing Tuesday.
The closures allow state Department of Transportation crews to continue to drill bore samples along the bridge piers. The borings will provide information on the type and depth of material under the bridge foundations.
This work is being done as a result of erosion observed since the Elwha Dam was removed and the river’s grade and position have changed.
Crews estimate that Highway 101 will be closed at the bridge at the following times:
Monday: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday: A pair of 1-hour closures between noon and late afternoon.
Between the closures, crews will reopen the highway to clear out any traffic backups.
Motorists who must meet specific appointments are advised to detour around the area using state highways 113 and 112.
Emergency responders will not be allowed to cross the bridge while equipment is being maneuvered from the deck to the river for their safety.
Findings from the borings will be evaluated by DOT bridge engineers to decide if action is needed to prevent further erosion at the bridge piers.
