US 101 Hoh River Bridge south of Forks reduced to one lane

Published 1:30 am Thursday, July 16, 2026

Extensive repairs needed on the historic 95-year-old bridge.

Motorists traveling south of Forks should prepare for delays as emergency repairs are underway on the Hoh River Bridge.

As early as Tuesday, July 14, the US 101 Hoh River Bridge will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic, controlled by a temporary signal. The speed limit across the bridge will also be reduced to 25 mph.

During a recent inspection, Washington State Department of Transportation bridge engineers found cracks in support beams and the steel members under the bridge. The speed and lane reduction are designed to lighten the load on the 95-year-old structure.

The bridge will require both near- and long-term extensive repairs before all lanes can reopen. Travelers can expect one way travel across the bridge to remain in place for several months.

WSDOT is initiating an emergency contract to make repairs to support beams and steel members under the bridge deck. WSDOT will share the exact dates for this work once an emergency contractor is selected and a schedule is in place.

This condition will remain until all other floor beams are replaced by another project. The estimated costs for this work is over $10 million, which will include painting the entire bridge.

About the bridge

Located at milepost 176.5 on US 101, the 494.5-foot-long bridge spans the Hoh River. The bridge carries an average of 1,165 vehicles across it each day. Oversized loads have been restricted on the bridge since 2010. This bridge was built in 1931. It is one of 342 bridges in WSDOT’s current inventory that is over 80 years old.