PORT ANGELES – Representatives from the Department of Transportation will present an update on the Elwha Bridge replacement project at the February 5 Port Angeles City Council meeting.
Since the Elwha Dams were removed, the river has been re-establishing its natural grade in the valley. 14 feet of depth has been eroded from the river bottom, partially undermining the bridge’s foundations.
DOT officials will present the new layout, which smooths out the present severe curve substantially. There will also be a bus stop, an improved intersection with Olympic Hot Springs Road including lighting, and a parking lot for public access to the river.
The latest update, posted on the DOT website this month, says they are still on schedule to advertise to contractors in the Spring and begin construction sometime this summer.
The report also says that because of delays, the cost of the project increased last year by $1 million, from $31.5 million to $32.5 million.
(Photo courtesy of WSDOT)