Crews swap culverts for bridges at three creeks, continuing WSDOT’s efforts to remove barriers to fish under state highways
KALALOCH – Barriers to fish begone. Crews are wrapping up work to remove fish barriers at Steamboat Creek north of Kalaloch in Jefferson County.
On Monday, Aug. 29, contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation removed the one-way alternating traffic signal on US 101 at milepost 162.6 near Kalaloch. Since early July, the temporary signal directed travelers around the work zone while crews removed the remainder of an old box culvert and improved the streambed.
This signals the end of a project to remove barriers to fish migration at three creeks under portions of US 101. Fisher, Harlow and Steamboat creeks used to flow through culverts under portions of the highway, but often those older culverts were too small and impeded fish travel. Crews replaced each culvert with new bridges over the waterways, which allow more space for fish to move through the water. Workers also improved streambeds to assist all life cycles of fish.
Work on the $24.7 million project began in 2019. It is part of WSDOT’s ongoing efforts to remove barriers to fish and opening more spawning and rearing habitat to fish.
WSDOT provides email updates for roadwork on state highways in Jefferson and Clallam Counties. Real-time traffic information is available on the WSDOT statewide travel map, the WSDOT app and WSDOT regional Twitter account.