Good news for drivers on State Route 109 near Moclips: the risk of debris slides has been greatly reduced after a major WSDOT project. The main work finished yesterday with new pavement markings. Both lanes are open, though some daytime alternating traffic may continue through the end of the month.
The monthslong project focused on a historically problematic slice of highway that has repeatedly been brought to a standstill by Mother Nature's mood swings. This patch of SR 109 has seen numerous closures from December 2018 through January 2020 due to large debris slides brought on by heavy rains. To prevent future closures, crews peeled back the earth, removing vegetation overgrowth, rocks and other debris above the highways.
In a bid to stabilize the hillside, workers have installed trenches containing crushed rock, referred to as quarry spalls, and laid down 51 new horizontal drainage pipes designed to fend off soil saturation and erosion. These quarry spalls are not just rocks, they are a bulwark against the elements, adding support and stability to an area beleaguered by aggressive rainfall.
And with the rainy season upon us, timing is everything. The efforts to shield SR 109 from nature's whims are pivotal, especially considering the previous havoc wreaked by the Pacific Northwest rainstorms. WSDOT pushes all travelers to arm themselves with the latest highway scoop via email updates and by checking the real-time travel map on the WSDOT app before setting off.
