Closure of Highway 101 in Port Angeles for Tumwater Creek Fish Barrier Construction
In 2025, the construction of the Tumwater Creek fish barrier project will temporarily close a portion of U.S. Highway 101 in Port Angeles, according to information provided to Clallam County commissioners by Steve Roark, the DOT Olympic Region administrator. The construction is expected to take place from June 2024 to fall 2025, with the closure of Highway 101 scheduled for February 2025 to June 2025.
A detour agreement has been established between the DOT and the city of Port Angeles, allowing for the use of First Street/Front Street/Marine Drive as an alternative route for up to nine months. This closure is expected to significantly reduce the overall length of time required to replace the Tumwater Creek culvert, as stated by City of Port Angeles spokeswoman Jessica Strait.
Roark further explained that although the initial plan called for a lengthy closure, the design-builder believes they can complete the work within 80 days, potentially occurring between February 2025 and June 2025. However, Roark cautioned that these dates are subject to change but serve as a starting point for the anticipated closure period.
In addition to the Tumwater Creek fish barrier project, Roark mentioned upcoming fish passage projects at Lee and Ennis creeks. These projects are tentatively scheduled to commence in fall 2025, with the plan to reduce U.S. Highway 101 to one lane in each direction within the construction zones for only 20 days, if possible. The exact timeframe is subject to change, but according to Roark, this is the target timeframe based on current information.
Roark emphasized the importance of replacing culverts to preserve fish runs, highlighting that the U.S. District Court ruled in favor of 21 Northwest Washington tribes’ request to hold the State of Washington accountable for maintaining fish passage. To comply with this ruling, the state Department of Transportation has been diligently correcting barrier culverts and improving access to blocked salmon and steelhead habitat within the designated area.
As plans continue to develop for these fish barrier projects, DOT personnel are actively working with contractors to explore ways to minimize disruptions and potentially reduce the duration of lane closures. The goal is to complete the necessary work efficiently while ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and maintaining access for the community.
Overall, these construction projects aim to fulfill the state’s obligation to protect fish runs, ultimately benefiting both the ecosystem and local communities in the long term. It is important to stay informed as the construction schedules may evolve, and further updates will be provided in due course.
For more information, please contact reporter Brian Gawley at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or brian.gawley@peninsuladailynews.com.
