Crews completed major construction efforts on a multi-year project to improve fish movement, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
The work removed barriers to fish under U.S. 101 in Jefferson and Clallam counties. Kiewit Corp. is the contractor.
The estimated $144.8 million project balanced the need for keeping people moving while excavating entire sections of the highway.
Work began in summer 2023 at Eagle Creek near Gardiner.
Crews removed aging culverts that fish could not navigate at six locations. Replacing these outdated culverts with new structures opens a combined 15 mi. of potential habitat for fish.
Aside from Eagle Creek, other sites included Chicken Coop Creek, an unnamed tributary to Sequim Bay, Contractors Creek, an unnamed tributary to Sequim Bay 2 and Johnson Creek.
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife had identified these sites as barriers to salmon migration and other resident fish species.
WSDOT kept people moving during the work by building temporary two-lane bypass roads.
While people used the bypass roads, crews dug through the roadway in each location. At five locations, workers built new bridges. The sixth location received a larger culvert. The project also included rebuilding streams to help fish at all life cycles.
The work is part of WSDOT's commitment to remove barriers to fish under state highways. Since 1991, WSDOT has worked to improve fish passage and foster healthy waterways by removing barriers under the highway.
In addition to WSDOT's ongoing work to correct statewide barriers, a 2013 federal court injunction requires the state to correct barrier culverts to salmon and steelhead within the injunction area in western Washington.
Crews rebuilt streambeds at each location. Workers installed logs and root wads in the stream. Both provide refuge and resting areas for fish. Native plants also were installed.
The plants provide important nutrients and shade. Workers finished landscaping and final touches in mid-December.
When the weather is warm and dry enough, crews will return to repair the roadway near Blyn.
(All photos courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation.)
