Project overview
This project will remove five barriers to fish under SR 109 on the Quinault Indian Nation.
What to expect
In late summer 2025, travelers will see SR 109 reduced to one lane of alternating traffic. The lane reduction allows crews to gather information for design of the proposed bridge structures. The structures will replace two outdated culverts under the highway.
Proposed timeline for construction:
- Fall 2025 – Potential for utility relocation.
- Spring 2026 – Start of temporary bypass roads construction and relocation of remaining utilities.
- Summer 2026 – Temporary detour road opens to one-way alternating traffic.
- Fall 2026 – Construction completed at milepost 37.4 and 33.8.
- Winter 2026/Spring 2027 – Potential for non-weather dependent work that is not inside each stream.
- Summer 2027 – Construction resumes.
- Fall 2027 – Construction completed at mileposts 36.4, 36.8, and 33.1.
See 'maps and drawings' for each location.
Project specifics
Preliminary work includes utility relocations, surveys, and limited tree removal. WSDOT will restrict tree removal to only what is essential for the project.
When preliminary work is completed, crews will begin construction.
Crews will build a one-lane bypass road around each location. Once the one-lane bypass road is open, traffic will alternate with temporary traffic signals. There will be reduced speed limits approaching each work zone.
The temporary traffic changes will remain in place until crews rebuild each location to allow for fish passage.
WSDOT is working to complete a timeline for when work will occur at each location.
Two locations will be completed in one year. Three locations will take two years.
Need for this work
The work is an important part of the state's efforts to protect and restore fish runs. WSDOT is under a 2013 federal court injunction. WSDOT is required to significantly increase efforts to remove barriers to fish. The work will increase the likelihood of fish migration. The improvements also help simulate a natural creek environment.
Summer construction
Crews can only work in the water during a limited time. Construction must occur inside a “fish window.” This is when working in the water will be the least disruptive to aquatic life. The fish window is usually in summer. WSDOT thanks travelers in advance for their patience and understanding. Other work can occur when crews do not work in the water.
