PORT ANGELES, WA — The Elwha River will soon have a new bridge spanning its banks. Work recently began on a brand new bridge, which will carry US 101 across the river and keep communities connected. The new replacement bridge will be built near the existing 97-year-old span and — in addition to a number of travel improvements — will ensure the US 101 route continues to be a reliable transportation facility for decades to come.

The new bridge will be 502 feet long and 40 feet wide. It will accommodate two 12-foot lanes with two 8-foot shoulders. The current bridge is 28 feet wide. A wider bridge will create a more comfortable crossing for travelers and provide shoulder room for bicyclists and pedestrians. When complete, travelers will also find US 101/Olympic Hot Springs Road has a gentler curve approaching the bridge.

Built in 1926, the 450-foot concrete arch bridge has served the community for nearly 100 years. Over the past several years, the Elwha River has dramatically changed its course and flow, leading to significant erosion around the bridge foundations. The riverbed around the bridge’s piers has lowered approximately 14 feet.

The situation requires the Washington State Department of Transportation to regularly monitor the span during flooding. As recently as November 2021, the existing span had to be temporarily closed while the bridge was inspected. Once the new bridge construction is complete, crews will demolish the older span.