Plan for extra time to navigate six work zones north of Hoquiam

Work to improve fish habitat in six streams and tributaries under US 101 in Grays Harbor County is starting this spring. 

 Travelers who use US 101 between Forks and Hoquiam should prepare for reduced speeds and detours in multiple work zones. 

 On Monday, May 1, construction crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will begin work on the shoulders of US 101 north of Hoquiam.

 Travelers will see occasional one-way alternating traffic during daytime hours. As work progresses, a 14-mile section of US 101, from mileposts 98.4 to 111.3, will be under construction through the fall.

SR 109 near Hoquiam to close around the clock for three weeks March 22

Travelers who use State Route 109 through Hoquiam should factor in extra travel time starting the week of March 20. That’s when about a half mile of highway will close in both directions for three weeks west of the SR 109 Spur for slope stabilization work. 

Prior to the full closure beginning Wednesday, March 22, there will be daytime lane closures for two days as crews bring in equipment and install signs and fencing.

7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, March 20, and Tuesday, March 21
Plan for travel delays as SR 109 between Grays Harbor Boulevard and the SR 109 Spur will be reduced to one alternating lane of traffic in one direction at a time.

What to expect during three-week closure
At 7 a.m. March 22, crews will close the highway around the clock for three weeks. During the closure, all travelers will follow a signed 13-mile detour via Powell Road, Ocean Beach Road and US 101. This could add up to 30 minutes of travel time for people who live or work just west of the closure when going to and from Hoquiam.

Slide-prone section of highway
A steep limestone hillside above SR 109 has a history of tree-filled debris slides. After a slide, an engineering geologist must inspect the hillside and it can sometimes take several days to clear the highway. 

Washington State Department of Transportation contractor crews from Rognlin’s, Inc. will remove trees of concern, debris and rocks from the hillside. 

This project will help reduce the potential for extended highway closures in the future.

Plan for daytime lane closures on US 12 in Grays Harbor County Feb. 6-9 ELMA – Daytime travelers who use US 12 west of Elma may want to plan extra travel time Monday, Feb. 6 through Thursday, Feb. 9. Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close lanes in each direction to replace guardrail. 

-  Monday, Feb. 6 from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. The right lane will close on westbound US 12 between mileposts 16 and 17 near the Newman Creek Bridge.

-  Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. The right lane will close on eastbound US 12 at milepost 17 near the Newman Creek Bridge. 

- Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. The right lane will close on eastbound US 12 between mileposts 16 and 17 near the Newman Creek Bridge. 

- Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. The right lane will close on westbound US 12 at milepost 16 near the Satsop River Bridge. 

To help keep workers safe, drivers are encouraged to slow down and avoid distractions in work zones.

Alternating traffic, temporary speed reduction remains in place

 TAHOLAH – Following a November slide, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation have begun repairs on State Route 109 north of Moclips in the Quinault Indian Nation, just south of Capoeman Drive.

 WSDOT’s emergency contractor, Rognlin’s, Inc., has started clearing the slide located at milepost 39. Crews will rebuild the hillside and repair the roadway. A 25-mph speed limit and one-way alternating traffic will remain in place until the project is complete. 

The contractor expects to have the repairs completed in February. The work is weather dependent. 

 Why this is needed In early November, heavy rains triggered a slide that washed out the soil around a culvert under SR 109. Following an inspection of the adjacent hillside and roadway, WSDOT maintenance crews closed the southbound lane until repairs could be made.