OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Access to the area above Glines Canyon overlook on Olympic Hot Springs Road will be closed beginning Monday.
The area will be closed until sometime this summer, said Penny Wagner, interim spokeswoman for Olympic National Park. She did not have a specific date.
Olympic Hot Springs Road will remain open up to the Glines Canyon Spillway Overlook for the duration of the project. Whiskey Bend Road is open all the way to the trailhead.
The Boulder Creek Trail begins at the end of Olympic Hot Springs Road in the Elwha Valley.
Crews will use heavy equipment for the demolition and removal of the Crystal Creek bridge and installation of an alternate route and creek crossing at that location.
“Crews will be working as quickly as possible to complete the necessary bridge removal and reopen the area to visitors” said acting park Superintendent Lee Taylor.
“As much as we regret the inconvenience, this project will ultimately restore safe access on Boulder Creek Trail for hikers and stock use.”
Damage caused by a rockfall event in the winter of 2014-15 led to the closure of the Crystal Creek bridge. Since then, further erosion has led to increased destabilization.
Inspection by Federal Highway Administration geotechnical and structural engineers last June determined the bridge was unsafe for pedestrian and stock use.
For road and travel information, see www.nps.gov/olym or call the recorded hotline at 360-565-3131.
