PORT ANGELES — Traffic delays on U.S. Highway 101 at Lake Crescent, which began Tuesday, are expected to end by the Thanksgiving holiday.
The delays are for hazard tree removal, according to Olympic National Park. The work began on the west end near milepost 220 and will move east to milepost 231.5 over the course of four weeks.
Drivers should expect up to half-hour delays for alternating single-lane traffic from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
There are six days when the contractor anticipates needing a longer delay to safely remove the hazard trees. Both eastbound and westbound traffic will be delayed beginning at about 10 a.m. for several dates in November.
In the area west of Barnes Point/Storm King Ranger Station/Lake Crescent Lodge turn:
• Wednesday, Nov. 3 – Expect a delay of up to 1 hour, 45 minutes at about milepost 225.
• Friday, Nov. 12 – Expect a delay of up to 1 hour, 45 minutes at about milepost 226.
• Monday, Nov. 15 – Expect a delay of up to 1 hour at about milepost 226.
• Tuesday, Nov. 16 – Expect a delay of up to 1 hour at about milepost 226.
In the area east of Barnes Point/Storm King Ranger Station/Lake Crescent Lodge turn:
• Monday, Nov. 22 – Expect a delay of up to 1 hour, 45 minutes at about milepost 228.
• Tuesday, Nov. 23 – Expect a delay of up to 1 hour, 30 minutes at about milepost 229.
The duration of the delays will depend on the amount of clearing needed on the road, the park said.
Any changes to the schedule will be updated on the park website at nps.gov/olym/index.htm. Emergency vehicles will have access through the work zone.
Travelers to and from the western side of the North Olympic Peninsula can use state Highway 112/113 as an alternate route. Traveling in the morning before 7:30 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m. will help travelers avoid the delays.
The tree removal contract was awarded to Pacific Northwest Tree Service of Port Angeles. Lakeside Industries will provide traffic control.
For current road and travel information, visitors should consult the park website or call the recorded Road and Weather Hotline at 360-565-3131.
