ELMA – Travelers who use the Elma Rest Area along eastbound State Route 8 in Grays Harbor County will soon need to make other plans.

Beginning 8 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, contractors working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close the rest area around the clock until 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14.

The planned closure will allow crews to finish upgrades to the facility’s water system.

The work includes installation of new, larger water pipes. New well pumps and an automated water management system were installed in November 2024.

When complete, the work will reduce long-term maintenance costs and extend the service life of the system.