Long weekend and overnight closures on the horizon for US 101 Hoh River Bridge south of Forks
FORKS – Travelers who use US 101 between Forks and Hoquiam on the west side of the Olympic Peninsula will need to prepare for hours-long detours during overnight and around-the-clock closures at the US 101 Hoh River Bridge.
Starting Monday, Sept. 14, the Washington State Department of Transportation’s emergency contractor, Hamilton Construction, will bring in equipment needed to replace four floor beams at two joints under the bridge deck.
From Monday, Sept. 14 to Tuesday, Sept. 22, each night from 10:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., the US 101 Hoh River Bridge will close to all traffic. During the overnight closures, crews will install a work deck and containment system on the bridge that is needed to perform the repairs.
Extended weekend closures for three weekends
Once the scaffolding is in place, crews will close the bridge to traffic for up to six days in a row for three weeks to make the repairs. The 95-year-old bridge is not wide enough to create a work zone and keep one travel lane open. The closures are scheduled for the following dates:
- 5 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29
- 5 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1 to noon Tuesday, Oct. 6
- 5 a.m. Thursday Oct. 8 to noon Tuesday, Oct. 13
After each six-day closure, the bridge will be inspected prior to reopening to single-lane alternating traffic.
Emergency responders will have pedestrian access across the bridge during the work, provided by the contractor. The pedestrian access is not open to the public.
Long detour during closures
There is no alternative route or detour available across the Hoh River. Travelers heading between Forks and Hoquiam will need to take US 101 along Hood Canal – a four-hour trip. Likewise, visitors at Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge or Lake Crescent wanting to visit Kalaloch, Ruby Beach or Lake Quinault will need to take US 101 along Hood Canal to SR 108, SR 8, US 12 and back to US 101.
Olympic National Park visitors are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and utilize the park’s travel time maps.
Why repairs are needed
Earlier this summer, state bridge engineers found cracks in support beams and the steel that support the driving surface on the 95-year-old bridge. On July 14, one-way alternating traffic and a speed limit reduction of 25 mph was put in place across the bridge. Traffic on US 101 is controlled by temporary traffic lights on either side of the bridge.
The repairs taking place in September and October will keep the bridge open until a long-term extensive repair can be implemented to restore load carrying capacity of the bridge. A single lane of travel across the bridge will remain in place until a permanent repair can be made.
About the bridge
Located at milepost 176.5 on US 101, the 494.5-foot-long bridge spans the Hoh River. The bridge carries an average of 1,400 vehicles across it each day. Oversized loads have been restricted on the bridge since 2010. This bridge was built in 1931. It is one of 342 bridges in WSDOT’s current inventory that is over 80 years old.
Whenever near work zones please:
- Slow down – drive the posted speeds, they're there for everyone’s safety.
- Be kind – workers are out there helping to keep everyone safe and improve the roadways.
- Pay attention – both to workers directing traffic and to fellow travelers.
- Stay calm – expect delays, leave early or take alternate routes if possible.
Traveler resources
Travelers are encouraged to visit the WSDOT online open house for details on projects happening around the Olympic Peninsula. Sign up for email updates about work on state highways in Jefferson and Clallam counties. Real-time travel information is available on the WSDOT app and statewide travel map.
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