PORT TOWNSEND — Traffic delays on state Highway 20 — including a full closure — are expected this month while the state Department of Transportation repairs culverts on the highway between Port Townsend and U.S. Highway 101.
Highway 20 will be completely closed to all traffic for seven days starting June 19 between Anderson Lake Road and Eaglemount Road to replace culverts.
According to the state Department of Transportation, there will be marked detour routes via state Highway 19 and Highway 104.
The detour will add more than 20 miles to the trip between Port Townsend and Highway 101.
If the weather cooperates, the road is scheduled to reopen from the full closure Sunday, June 25 at 9:30 a.m., according to Transportation.
While the bulk of the impact is expected during the week of June 19, drivers should also expect delays starting the week of June 12 because parts of Highway 20 between Port Townsend and Highway 101 will be limited to one-way alternating traffic during the day, according to a Transportation press release.
Drivers should also expect delays on Highway 20 in the week of June 26 due to more alternating single-lane traffic in that area.
“We understand this will be an inconvenience, and we appreciate everyone’s patience,” said Transportation Project Engineer Chris Bruning in the press release. “At the same time, it is important we replace the culvert to help prevent damage to the highway.”
According to the Transportation press release, one current culvert is cracked, which allows water to escape and could lead to stormwater damaging the highway.
In the press release, Transportation officials said the culvert replacement could eliminate the risk of future road closures due to unexpected or emergency repairs.
The project will replace culverts along roughly 1,000 feet of road south of Anderson Lake Road and will cost $880,000, according to Transportation.
The project is being paid for entirely by Transportation.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.
