PORT ANGELES – Olympic Hot Springs Road up to Madison Falls parking area re-opened this morning in Olympic National Park, freshly repaired after last month’s washout along the Elwha River at the Park border.
Meanwhile, Park officials have announced the release of their first Environmental Assessment (EA) study on whether rerouting another section of the road, closed since February due to washout, would be both feasible and more stable long term. They’re asking for public comment on the EA because, as the Park’s Penny Wagner points out, moving the road is not the only option or possible fix.
You can see the results online at parkplanning.nps.gov. The public review and comment period runs through January 6, 2019.
The Park Service will host an in-person public meeting with Park and Federal Highways staff available to discuss the outcomes and present the alternatives. The meeting will be next Thursday, December 13 at the Elwha Klallam Heritage Center on East First Street in Port Angeles. The presentation will begin at 5:30pm followed by an open house.