An effort to improve 16 miles of roads that hug picturesque Lake Crescent means visitors to Olympic National Park in Washington will want to plan ahead for the next three years to avoid multi-hour closures.
The National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration will address safety and long‐term maintenance issues on 12 miles of U.S. Highway 101, a busy east-west route through the park, and four miles of East Beach Road, which accesses private residences, a resort, and several day-use areas. The project will begin in March and last up to three construction seasons, until November 2019.
“We understand the importance of the Lake Crescent Highway to our neighbors and visitors alike,” Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum said in a release. “Repairs are needed to address long-term safety and maintenance concerns, but minimizing short-term impacts and inconveniences is also a priority for us.”
To that end, work will only occur on weekdays, with no construction scheduled for weekends or holidays. In addition, daytime and nighttime delays will be limited to a half-hour during peak season between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
However, each spring and fall, up to 20 four‐hour delays, scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., are permitted. Overnight closures of up to six hours, scheduled for 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., will be allowed Mondays through Wednesdays between Labor Day and March 31. All four- and six‐hour delays will be announced two weeks in advance and posted on Olympic National Park’s website.
No construction is expected from mid-November to February.
“While a contractor has not yet been selected for the project, key aspects of the construction schedule are dictated by the terms of the contract and we have included a number of specific requirements to minimize traveler impacts,” said Creachbaum.
March
- Half‐hour delays during work hours, with short delays after hours to accommodate alternating single-lane traffic.
- Limited 4‐hour delays and 6‐hour overnight delays may be scheduled and will be announced two weeks in advance.
April-Late May
- Half‐hour delays during work hours, with short delays after hours to accommodate alternating single-lane traffic.
- Limited 4‐hour delays may be scheduled and will be announced two weeks in advance.
Memorial Day-Labor Day (summer season)
- Half‐hour delays during work hours, with short delays after hours to accommodate alternating single-lane traffic.
Early September-Mid-November
- Half‐hour delays during work hours, with short delays after hours to accommodate alternating single-lane traffic.
- Limited 4‐hour delays and 6‐hour overnight delays may be scheduled and will be announced two weeks in advance.
Mid-November-February
- No construction anticipated
Repairs to East Beach Road are expected to be completed in November 2017. The road will close to through traffic for a maximum two‐week period to replace one culvert. This closure will include one weekend between August 1 and October 31, and will be announced in advance.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
I'm glad they're finally doing it, but wow, what a PITN it's going to be!