Here are the construction projects that begin in 2023 across the north Olympic Peninsula. Plan for delays through multiple areas and some closures starting in February through November. Timing of projects subject to change.
Fish Barrier removal projects
We correct fish barriers on state highways to help salmon recovery and comply with state laws. Since we created a dedicated fish passage program in 1991, we have corrected hundreds of barriers that have restored access to over one thousand miles of fish habitat. In addition to our ongoing work to correct statewide barriers, a 2013 federal court injunction requires the state to correct barrier culverts to salmon and steelhead within the injunction area in western Washington.
The following fish barrier removal projects will begin in 2023 in Clallam and Jefferson counties. More information about WSDOT Fish Passage program is available on our website.
US 101 Jefferson and Clallam Counties Remove Fish Barriers
Construction timeline
2023-2025
Project webpage: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/us-101-jefferson-and-clallam-counties-fish-barriers-remove-fish-barriers
What can travelers expect?
From 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13 through the evening of Friday, Aug. 18, US 101 near the Clallam/Jefferson County line will be reduced to one-lane of alternating traffic.
Travelers between Chicken Coop/Diamond Point Road and Guiles/Knapp Road will see congestion approaching the work zone. Heavy congestion is expected between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Please add extra travel time to help prevent delays, consider postponing discretionary trips, or travel early in the morning or later at night.
US 101 near the Clallam/Jefferson County line will be reduced
to one-lane of alternating traffic.
US 101 – Leland Creek and Unnamed Tributaries Remove Fish Barriers
Construction timeline
Late Winter 2023 – Late Winter 2024
Project webpage: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/us-101-leland-creek-and-unnamed-tribs-remove-fish-barriers
What can travelers expect?
At Leland Creek, traffic will be shifted around the work zone on a bypass roadway. At the north and south unnamed tributaries, the box culverts will be replaced, one at a time, over a period of 25 consecutive calendar days. These closures shall begin no earlier than July 16 and shall be complete no later than Aug. 19. Traffic will detour on Center Drive during those replacements. Freight haulers will detour around the construction zone via US 101, SR 3 and SR 104 as the Little Quilcene River Bridge has load weight restrictions in place.
US 101 – May Creek in Vicinity of Dowans Creek Road Remove Fish Barrier
Construction timeline
2023 – 2025
Project webpage: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/us-101-may-creek-vic-dowans-creek-rd-remove-fish-barrier
What can travelers expect?
This project replaces an outdated culvert along US 101 south of Forks at May Creek identified as a barrier to fish migration. The existing 9-foot diameter metal pipe will be replaced with a 175-foot-long concrete girder bridge. Travelers will encounter one-lane alternating traffic with a temporary signal and brief delays as construction kicks off in early Fall 2023. Crews will build a temporary detour at the construction site to keep traffic moving. For the remainder of the project, travelers will see one-lane alternating traffic on a temporary bypass around the work zone with a reduced speed limit.
East Jefferson County Remove Fish Barriers
Construction timeline
Summer 2023 – Fall 2023
Project webpage: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/east-jefferson-county-remove-fish-barriers
What can travelers expect?
At Shine Creek on SR 104, there will be a two-lane temporary bypass road around the work zone with a reduced speed limit. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained while installing the new culvert. At Swansonville Creek on SR 19, there will be one 10-day continuous closure between Sept. 5 and Sept. 15. Travelers will detour on Center Drive during the closure.
Bridge repair and replacement projects
SR 104 – Hood Canal Bridge – Center Lock Rehabilitation
Construction timeline
Spring 2023 – Fall 2023
Project webpage: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr-104-hood-canal-bridge-center-lock-rehabilitation
What can travelers expect?
No long weekend closures will be required for SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge repairs. A revised schedule includes weeknight and weekend nighttime bridge closures in May and June with some short maintenance closures in September. For additional information, check the project webpage.
Why is this work needed?
The Hood Canal Bridge operates in a harsh marine environment and requires regular care. The repairs scheduled this year install a more substantial center lock system that can better withstand the extreme forces placed on the bridge during strong tides and wind. When the two halves of the bridge come together, separate mechanical clamps fasten to the second halves of the bridge. Extreme pressure is placed on the system during high wind events and fast-moving tides. The pressure is enough to separate both halves, which creates a gap in the roadway surface of the bridge. This video provides more details about the center lock system and the closures needed to make the repairs.
US 101 Elwha River Bridge – Bridge Replacement
Construction timeline
Late Winter 2023 – Late Winter 2025
Project webpage: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/us-101-elwha-river-bridge-bridge-replacement
What can travelers expect?
Most work will take place away from the existing bridge. Towards the end of the project, US 101 will need to close for nine consecutive days to allow crews to complete the tie ends and final paving. During this brief closure, travelers will detour using State Route 112, State Route 113 and Little River Road.
Why is this work needed?
The bridge was built in 1926 and has served the community for nearly 100 years. Replacing the bridge will ensure that the US 101 route continues to be a reliable transportation facility for decades to come.
Safety Improvement projects
SR 20/Kearney St Intersection – Roundabout
Construction timeline
Summer 2023
Project webpage: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr-20-kearney-st-i-s-roundabout
What can travelers expect?
The roundabout will be built in two phases. During both phases, traffic heading towards Port Townsend will detour around the project onto Benedict Street and Washington Street and turn right to return to State Route 20/East Sims Way.
In phase one, traffic heading away from Port Townsend will turn right onto Kearney Street and left onto Jefferson Street and then continue onto SR 20. In phase two, traffic will simply keep left on SR 20 to use the southern side of the intersection with Kearney Street as the northern side of the roundabout is constructed.
More about roundabouts
Roundabouts are just one of the methods we use to help improve safety on our highways. Studies by the Federal Highway Administration have found that roundabouts can increase traffic capacity by 30 to 50% compared to traditional intersections. Roundabouts also reduce the likelihood of T-bone or head-on collisions. More information about roundabouts, including tips on how to drive a roundabout, is available on our website.
SR 104 – Paradise Bay – Shine Road – Intersection Safety Improvement
Construction timeline
Spring 2024 to Early Winter 2024
Project webpage: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr-104-paradise-bay-shine-road-intersection-safety-improvement
What can travelers expect?
Shifted lanes around the work zone and intermittent lane closures. Flaggers may be present at times. Crews will maintain one lane in each direction as much as possible. Short-term closure of SR 104 access from Shine Road at approximately milepost 14 over a period of two weeks. Due to environmental permitting delays, this project, along with the SR 104 – SR 19 – Intersection Safety Improvements project, will be constructed in 2024.
SR 104 – SR 19 – Intersection Safety Improvements
Construction timeline
Spring 2024 to Early Winter 2024
Project webpage: https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/search-projects/sr-104-sr-19-intersection-safety-improvements
What can travelers expect?
Shifted lanes around the work zone, temporary lane closures while crews work in phases on the roundabout. Any closures will be announced in advance. Short term closures of SR 104 access on SR 19 over a period of 3 weeks. Due to environmental permitting delays, this project, along with the SR 104 – Paradise Bay – Shine Road – Intersection Safety Improvement project, will be constructed in 2024.
Emergency Repairs
SR 112 Pysht River – Emergency Repairs
Construction timeline
Summer 2024
What can travelers expect?
Most work will take place off the roadway. Single-lane closures causing a backup of less than 15 minutes over several weeks.
Maintenance and preservation
We have roadway preservation activities planned for summer 2023 on SR 104, between SR 19 and US 101. Maintenance crews will also be on US 101 near Quilcene, Discovery Bay, west of Port Angeles near Olympic National Park and north of Queets along the Pacific coast. This work will occur during daytime hours and likely involve one-lane alternating traffic. Travelers will need to plan for delays.