By Pepper Fisher
PORT ANGELES – Due to high flood waters, the Elwha River Bridge on HWY 101 is closed as a safety precaution to all traffic. WSDOT maintenance crews closed the bridge after 1 p.m. on Monday.
Here’s Tina Werner from WSDOT.
“It’s closed as a safety precaution to travelers, and right now there is no detour route available. So there is currently no travel between Forks and Port Angeles at this time. So, we are pleading with travelers to please stay home as much as possible and not go around road closure signs until the water levels recede or our crews can go out and clear certain roadways.”
What’s more, Werner says before they can reopen the bridge, they will first have to determine if the flood waters and debris have eroded the support structure.
“Hopefully the water can recede and crews will be able to make appropriate recommendations and hopefully reopen the bridge, but it is just really too soon to tell how long the Elwha River Bridge will remain closed for.”
With traffic barricades in place on US 101, travelers want to check the WSDOT app or their real time state-wide travel map for the status of State Route 112 as a possible detour around the closed section of highway.
Travelers are also encouraged to reschedule discretionary trips if possible.
(Photos of Elwha River, taken on Monday, courtesy of WSDOT)
