After nearly a decade of anticipation, the US 101 Elwha River bridge has officially opened, marking a significant development for transportation across the Olympic Peninsula. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the new structure greeted its first wave of traffic at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, providing a much-needed upgrade from the old bridge.
WSDOT shared with the public that work to build the bridge commenced in April 2023, highlighting an intensive process that incorporated public consultations, rigorous environmental reviews, and careful design planning. The launch of the new span enables to finally resolve a critical connection issue for communities on the Peninsula. "The US 101 Elwha River Bridge is a critical lifeline that connects Olympic Peninsula communities," WSDOT Olympic Region Administrator Steve Roark commented. "We are thrilled that the bridge is now open for all to enjoy," he added, noting the concerted efforts and collaboration with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Clallam County, and the National Park Service to bring the project to fruition.
With its 40-foot width—12 feet wider than its predecessor—the new bridge boasts two 12-foot-wide traffic lanes and two 8-foot-wide shoulders, alongside an adjusted alignment of the US 101 to soften the curve approaching the bridge from the west. This wider design is expected to provide improved safety and ease of travel for users.
Even as the bridge opens, WSDOT has alerted that the area will continue to be a hotspot for construction activity as the old bridge is set to be dismantled. Plans to temporarily divert the river allow workers to securely remove existing infrastructure without risking environmental contamination, a priority stressed by WSDOT. Teams aim to quickly start demolishing the old bridge while constructing platforms beneath to catch any debris. "Once crews remove the bridge and the piers, they will help restore the river to a more natural condition," outlined WSDOT, indicating the broader commitment to ecological restoration post-construction.
The necessitation of the new bridge comes in the wake of the original 1926 structure succumbing to the relentless forces of river erosion, jeopardizing the safety and continuity of traffic in the region. Embracing modern standards, the new bridge promises to not just reconnect severed ties but to bolster the resilience of the area's infrastructure against the natural elements. For those traversing the Olympic Peninsula this summer, WSDOT assures that it is equipped with the necessary tools and information to aid in navigation amidst ongoing roadworks, offering email updates for projects within the affected counties.
