By Pepper Fisher

SEQUIM – Progress is being made on Rivers Edge Levee Setback Project near the mouth of the Dungeness River. For that reason, Towne Road and the adjacent Dungeness Levee Trail have been closed due to construction activity.

Road and levee trail closures are in effect between Dungeness Schoolhouse and Dungeness Valley Creamery, at the Lower Dungeness River Floodplain Restoration Project site to safeguard the public during this active construction phase.

Towne Road will remain closed until September 30 of next year, or until it has been determined the road is safe for public use. County officials say public access for walking, birding, and passive enjoyment will be restored as soon as safely possible.

The Jamestown Tribe has been working since last year on construction of their part of the new levee. Clallam County is constructing a companion setback levee, which also includes relocating and upgrading Towne Road.

When the entire levee is complete, the old levee will be breached and floodwaters will be able to spread safely across 56 acres on the Tribe’s land. Together, the two projects will set back 1.8 miles of river levee and permanently conserve 143 acres of historic Dungeness River floodplain for salmon, birds, and wildlife.

For additional details about this project, please visit clallam.net/DungenessFloodplainRestoration.