PORT ANGELES – Due to another washout after heavy rain Monday and Tuesday, Olympic Hot Springs Road is now completely closed to all public access at the National Park boundary.

Washouts along the road have been a chronic problem over the years, and Park personnel have been working on a plan to move a one-mile stretch to higher ground, away from the river, since closing a section last year.

Crews are now working near the Madison Falls parking area to protect the road from being undercut by further erosion after this week’s washout. The closure is necessary for the crew to safely complete the repairs over the next two to three weeks.

The recent storm resulted in 7-8 inches of rain and increased flows which peaked at roughly 12,000 cfs. The repair is estimated to cost $60,000 for the materials, equipment, and labor.

This week’s storm also resulted in additional road closures across the park. The Upper and Lower Queets Roads, as well as Quinault North Shore Road were closed on Monday due to downed trees and power lines. Lower Queets Road remains closed for additional clearing.