PACIFIC COUNTY, Wash. — Travelers planning to use US 101 in Pacific County next week should prepare for delays and detours as crews complete utility work north of Ilwaco.

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, maintenance crews working alongside Pacific County Public Utilities will fully close both directions of US 101 on Wednesday, May 20, to allow for the replacement of aging power poles and insulators.

The closure will impact US 101 between Sandridge Road at milepost 13.86 and the US 101/US 101 Alternate junction at milepost 15.69 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

WSDOT says the upgrades are intended to improve reliability and safety by reducing the risk of outages caused by severe weather and aging infrastructure.

During the closure, flaggers will direct traffic along a signed detour route through Ilwaco. Drivers are advised to slow down in the work zone, follow directions from crews, and expect delays throughout the day.