Doug Adamson, communications, 360-357-2716

UPDATE: The highway is slated to reopen to all traffic at 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 26, which is one day longer than originally announced.  

PORT TOWNSEND – Drivers who use State Route 20 between US 101 and Port Townsend are encouraged to plan ahead for a week-long around-the-clock closure of the highway later this month. The closure will allow crews to excavate approximately 25 feet below the highway surface to replace an aging and cracking culvert.

At 9:30 a.m. Monday, June 19, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close SR 20 to all traffic near milepost 3, between Anderson Lake Road and Eaglemount Road. Depending on work progress and weather, the highway is scheduled to reopen 9:30 a.m. Sunday, June 25.

"We understand this will be an inconvenience, and we appreciate everyone's patience," said WSDOT Project Engineer Chris Bruning. "At the same time, it is important we replace the culvert to help prevent damage to the highway."

The existing culvert is fractured and allows water to escape, increasing the risk of stormwater undermining and damaging the roadway. Replacing the culvert also eliminates the need for emergency maintenance and unplanned road closures to repair the existing one.

Additional information

• Local access will be allowed to, but not through the work zone.
• A signed detour route will be provided via SR 19 and SR 104.
• During the week before and after the closure, drivers also can expect daytime one-way alternating traffic.

Drivers can get updated information about the project at the What's Happening in the Olympic Region web page.