PORT ANGELES – The new bridge over the Elwha River on US 101 is now open to traffic after nearly eight years of development. The bridge opened at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 21, following a nine-day closure that diverted traffic to state routes 112 and 113.

Led by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the project included public outreach, environmental review, and design selection. Construction began in April 2023.

The new bridge, a crucial link for Olympic Peninsula communities, is 40 feet wide with two 12-foot lanes and two 8-foot shoulders, 12 feet wider than the old bridge. The project also realigned US 101 near the bridge for a gentler curve.

Crews are now demolishing the old bridge, temporarily diverting the river and using construction platforms to prevent debris from falling into the water.

The original bridge, built in 1926, needed replacement due to erosion around its foundations from the Elwha River’s changing course. The new bridge, built to modern standards, ensures continued connectivity for the Olympic Peninsula.