The fish passage restoration project along the Washington coast has reached an important milestone as it enters its third year of construction. The project, led by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), aims to improve fish migration by addressing 29 culverts under US 101 and State Route 109. Crews have completed work at the 15th site and are on track to finish the project by the end of 2027.
In 2025, the focus will shift to US 101, with preparation work near Ruby Beach set to begin in mid-March. Travelers should expect single-lane, alternating traffic due to daytime tree felling activities. This year’s construction will cover eight new work zones across Grays Harbor, Jefferson, and Clallam counties, which are vital for removing obstacles to fish migration.
Washington State Department of Transportation also plans to build temporary bypass roads this spring to keep traffic flowing while crews dig up the highway. Once the bypasses are in place, temporary signals will regulate traffic. By fall, the culverts in Grays Harbor County will be replaced with larger, updated ones. Work near Forks and Ruby Beach will pause for winter and resume in 2026.
Construction will also continue on a site between Forks and Lake Crescent, where a bridge on the eastbound side of US 101 near Wisen Creek Road will be built. The westbound bridge is set to be completed by fall 2024. Another fish passage project will strengthen a bridge over May Creek, with completion expected by fall 2026.
As summer approaches, drivers on US 101 can expect 10 work zones between Lake Quinault and Lake Crescent. Reduced speed limits, single-lane alternating traffic, and temporary traffic lights will be in place. To keep the public informed, Washington State Department of Transportation offers mobile apps and real-time statewide travel maps for updates related to Grays Harbor, Jefferson, and Clallam counties.
