Over the next seven days, drivers may encounter intermittent 1-hour closures of US 101 at the Elwha River Bridge west of Port Angeles at milepost 239 in Clallam County.

Starting Wednesday, Sept. 28, Washington State Department of Transportation crews will lower equipment from the bridge deck to the river bed and spend the week drilling 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.

Closing US 101 will only be necessary when equipment is being moved to between the bridge deck and the river. Exact times of the closures will depend on work progress, but crews estimate the following times:

Wednesday, Sept. 28 – 1-hour closure in early afternoon

Thursday, Sept. 29 – 1-hour closure in early evening

Saturday, Oct. 1 – three 1-hour closures between early morning and mid-afternoon

Tuesday, Oct. 4 – two 1-hour closures between noon and late afternoon

Given the uncertain timing of the closures, motorists who must meet specific appointments are advised to detour via State Route 113 and State Route 112. Emergency responders are also advised that for their safety, they will not be allowed to cross the bridge while equipment is being maneuvered from the deck to the river.

Findings from the borings will be evaluated by WSDOT bridge engineers to determine if action to prevent further erosion at the bridge piers is necessary.

Advance information is available at the Olympic Region Weekly Construction and Traffic Updates web page. Real-time traveler information is available from the WSDOT app and by following the WSDOT regional Twitter feed.