eminder: Detour planned on northbound US 101 as Riverside Bridge in Hoquiam closes for four nights in June
Plan for daytime single lane closures in Hoquiam and Aberdeen

HOQUIAM – Nighttime travelers on northbound US 101 in Hoquiam will want to plan for a detour starting June 15. Crews will close the Riverside Bridge to traffic overnight while upgrading the machine rooms that help operate the bridge.

What to expect on US 101 in Hoquiam
On Wednesday, June 14, the left lane of northbound US 101 on the Riverside Bridge will close from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crews will remove the railing and roof from the machine room on the west tower of the bridge.

The first overnight closure will start at 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 15. During the closure, northbound US 101 travelers will follow a signed detour over the normally southbound US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge. A flagger will alternate traffic one direction at a time through a single lane. The Riverside Bridge is scheduled to close for four nights in June.

Riverside Bridge closures in June

• 9 p.m. Thursday, June 15 to 5:30 a.m. Friday, June 16.
• 9 p.m. Monday, June 19 to 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 20.
• 9 p.m. Thursday, June 22 to 5:30 a.m. Friday, June 23.
• 9 p.m. Monday, June 26 to 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 27.

Paving project brings lane and intersection closures to SR 8 and SR 108 starting in May

Expect delays in Grays Harbor and Thurston counties this spring and summer. As early as May 15, contractor crews will begin closing lanes on eastbound SR 8 between US 12 in Grays Harbor County and US 101 in Thurston County. 

The work will create a smoother ride on portions of State Route 8 between Elma and Mud Bay near Olympia, as well as a portion of SR 108 in McCleary.

Plan for extra time to navigate six work zones north of Hoquiam

Work to improve fish habitat in six streams and tributaries under US 101 in Grays Harbor County is starting this spring. 

 Travelers who use US 101 between Forks and Hoquiam should prepare for reduced speeds and detours in multiple work zones. 

 On Monday, May 1, construction crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will begin work on the shoulders of US 101 north of Hoquiam.

 Travelers will see occasional one-way alternating traffic during daytime hours. As work progresses, a 14-mile section of US 101, from mileposts 98.4 to 111.3, will be under construction through the fall.

SR 109 near Hoquiam to close around the clock for three weeks March 22

Travelers who use State Route 109 through Hoquiam should factor in extra travel time starting the week of March 20. That’s when about a half mile of highway will close in both directions for three weeks west of the SR 109 Spur for slope stabilization work. 

Prior to the full closure beginning Wednesday, March 22, there will be daytime lane closures for two days as crews bring in equipment and install signs and fencing.

7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, March 20, and Tuesday, March 21
Plan for travel delays as SR 109 between Grays Harbor Boulevard and the SR 109 Spur will be reduced to one alternating lane of traffic in one direction at a time.

What to expect during three-week closure
At 7 a.m. March 22, crews will close the highway around the clock for three weeks. During the closure, all travelers will follow a signed 13-mile detour via Powell Road, Ocean Beach Road and US 101. This could add up to 30 minutes of travel time for people who live or work just west of the closure when going to and from Hoquiam.

Slide-prone section of highway
A steep limestone hillside above SR 109 has a history of tree-filled debris slides. After a slide, an engineering geologist must inspect the hillside and it can sometimes take several days to clear the highway. 

Washington State Department of Transportation contractor crews from Rognlin’s, Inc. will remove trees of concern, debris and rocks from the hillside. 

This project will help reduce the potential for extended highway closures in the future.