Motorists and local commuters should brace for increased construction activity and a significant closure as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) enters the final phase to open the new US 101 Elwha River Bridge. WSDOT has announced a complete nine-day shutdown of the highway to safely transition traffic onto the new structure.
Starting as early as June 24, segments of US 101 between mileposts 239.36 and 239.93 will operate under one-way alternating traffic, overseen by traffic signals to carefully manage to flow. The speed limit in the area will be reduced to 35 mph, as WSDOT wants to ensure traveler safety while workers to finish the bridge. The confirmed date to switch to one-way alternating traffic will be announced once finalized by the contractor.
The full closure of US 101 at the Elwha River Bridge will begin sharply at 6 p.m. Friday, July 12, and is expected to endure until 5 a.m. Monday, July 22. During this time, traffic will be routed onto State Routes 112 and 113, serving as alternate paths around the construction zone. This measure is crucial for crews to safely work on the highway sections connecting to the new bridge and to dismantle the approaches to the outdated span.
Commuters can look forward to traveling on the new Elwha River Bridge when it opens immediately following the nine-day period. The upgraded bridge features two 12-foot lanes and 8-foot shoulders to better serve both drivers and pedestrians. Engineered to modern earthquake standards, the new structure is designed to remain resilient, even during the most intense periods of rain, removing the need for close monitoring historically necessitated by the old crossing. Moreover, drivers will appreciate a smoother approach thanks to a redesigned curve leading to the bridge.
