At the recent Hybrid Clallam County Emergency Management – North Coast Operational Area Meeting Steve Roark, Regional Administrator for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), provided updates on the SR112 preservation and management project. With a legislature allocation of $9.7 million, Roark emphasized the critical need for strategic prioritization due to the funding limitations.
Roark highlighted that while the allocated amount falls short of addressing all infrastructure needs, the focus will be on maximizing the impact by targeting areas with the most urgent requirements. The primary objective is to enhance the driving experience for motorists by addressing pavement distress and settlement issues along SR112.
The preservation and maintenance project will concentrate on addressing pavement, drainage, and roadside safety hardware needs along a significant stretch of SR112, specifically between Milepost (MP) 0.0 and MP 42.0. Roark clarified that the project would not include bridge replacements due to their high cost but would address drainage culverts and pavement repair necessitated by failed culverts.
Approximately 30 culverts nearing the end of their service life will be evaluated, with around 10 failed culverts slated for replacement based on their condition. A significant portion of the funding—50%—will be allocated for pavement repair specifically between MP 0 and MP 7.5, aiming to enhance road quality and safety for transportation users.
The project includes plans to replace 6,500 linear feet of guardrail within the paving limits and replace approximately 100 damaged signs, further enhancing safety measures along the highway.
Roark emphasized the geological instability of the region, underscoring the challenges faced in infrastructure maintenance. Additionally, he mentioned the Elwha Bridge project, which will necessitate a detour onto SR112 to accommodate construction activities tying in with Highway 101. Roark stressed the importance of addressing other areas of SR112 beforehand to mitigate the anticipated traffic increase’s significant impact.
The allocation of $9.7 million for the SR112 preservation and maintenance project signifies a proactive step by WSDOT to address critical infrastructure needs, with budgetary constraints. WSDOTs strategic approach aims to maximize the funding’s impact while prioritizing safety and efficiency for motorists traveling this geologically changing area.
Construction will start next summer when the weather is favorable for paving. The work will be completed by the fall of 2025.
