PORT ANGELES — Clallam Transit has changed its No. 26 Westside bus route to serve the heart of the Lower Elwha Klallam reservation.
Buses coming from Port Angeles will continue to take Lower Elwha Road to the tribal center.
Buses going back to Port Angeles will turn right on Stratton Road and pass a day-care center, preschool, apartment complex and the Elwha River Casino before exiting the area on the tribe’s new main-access route.
Transit officials said the change will better serve the area. The revision took effect Tuesday.
Continuing south from the casino, the No. 26 bus follows the new Elwha Valley Road, which turns into Kacee Way and hooks up with Lower Elwha Road at a three-way stop just west of William R. Fairchild International Airport.
Tribal leaders blessed the opening of the $9 million, federally funded Elwha Valley Road in a November ceremony.
Bus stops added
Four bus stops were added to the No. 26 route at the reservation. Flag stops also are permitted.
The tribe is installing a pull-off bus stop with a shelter, lighting and security camera at the casino.
In the meantime, Clallam Transit is using a temporary bus stop on the driveway leading to the casino.
The No. 26 bus leaves The Gateway transit center in downtown Port Angeles 18 times daily weekdays and 12 times Saturdays.
The bus circles around the west side of Port Angeles and continues west to the reservation.
Return trips follow Edgewood Drive, West Lauridsen Boulevard and Tumwater Truck Route into the core of the city.
Clallam Transit runs 13 bus routes throughout Clallam County on Mondays through Saturdays.
For schedules and route maps, visit www.clallamtransit.com.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
