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10-week closure of SR 109 Grass Creek Bridge in Grays Harbor County begins Dec. 1 for repairs ***UPDATED 01/13/2023***

UPDATE 01/13/2023:

Washington State Department of Transportation – NEWS
Olympic Region – P.O. Box 47440 – Olympia, WA 98504-7440 – 360-357-2600

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 13, 2023
Contact:      Angela Cochran, communications, 360-764-9211

SR 109 Grass Creek Bridge in Grays Harbor County reopens following repairs

HOQUIAM – There’s good news for Grays Harbor County travelers who use the State Route 109 Grass Creek Bridge between Hoquiam and Ocean Shores. Washington State Department of Transportation contractor crews from Rognlin’s, Inc., reopened the bridge today, Friday, Jan. 13, four weeks ahead of schedule.  

During the closure, crews installed new pilings and support beams at three of the bridge piers. This work has restored the bridge’s weight carrying capacity and use of the southbound lane. The original speed limit of 50 mph has also been reinstated.

Additional slope repair work on horizon for SR 109
Another closure of SR 109 closer to Hoquiam is needed. This emergency project will remove trees from the hillside next to the highway and just west of the SR 109 Spur.  
WSDOT will provide more information including closure dates in the coming weeks.

Travelers are encouraged to sign up for email updates for state highways in Grays Harbor County.  Real-time traffic information is available on the WSDOT app and travel center map.

Hyperlinks within the release:


(Original post 11/17/2022)
10-week closure of SR 109 Grass Creek Bridge in Grays Harbor County begins Dec. 1 for repairs

Drivers should plan extra time to navigate 13-mile detour
HOQUIAM – Grays Harbor County travelers who use the State Route 109 Grass Creek Bridge between Hoquiam and Ocean Shores will want to plan extra time into their commute.

Starting Dec. 1, Washington State Department of Transportation contractor crews from Rognlin’s, Inc. will begin repairs on the bridge. The work requires an around-the-clock closure to all travelers for up to 10 weeks.

During the repairs, travelers will follow a signed 13-mile detour using US 101, Ocean Beach Road and Powell Road. During a typical day, the detour will add up to five minutes of travel time. During weekends and holidays, travelers going to and from the coast are encouraged to add lots of travel time to help prevent delays.

Local access will be available on either side of the bridge closure points.

WSDOT recognizes there is no good time to close a bridge. The closure and subsequent repairs will help keep the bridge in good working order.

Why this is needed

During an in-depth inspection of the structure, WSDOT bridge inspectors found advanced deterioration of timber pilings under the southbound lane. The bridge has been reduced to one-lane of alternating traffic with a 25-mph speed limit since May.

During the closure, crews will install new pilings and support beams. Once finished, the bridge’s weight capacity and use of the southbound lane will be restored. The speed limit will also return to 50 mph over the bridge.

Travelers are encouraged to sign up for email updates for state highways in Grays Harbor County.  Real-time traffic information is available on the WSDOT app and travel center map.