OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Mora Road repairs are expected to be completed today, with the road open to provide access to Rialto Beach by Saturday morning.
“If the paving and sealing work is completed as planned, the earliest the road could open would be Friday evening to allow for curing time on the road surface,” said Penny Wagner, Olympic National Park spokeswoman. “Otherwise, the road would open Saturday morning.”
The final phase of storm damage repairs on Mora Road involved repaving and sealing.
Mora Road was reduced to one lane after winter storm flooding in 2015-16 caused a major washout. The road slumped, and continued monitoring of the pavement cracks indicated ongoing downward movement of the road subgrade, park officials said.
Geotechnical engineers determined the road could not support vehicle loads safely, officials said, and further erosion led to increased undermining of the road bed.
Flood damage repair work on Mora Road began six weeks ago. The project has restored the flood-damaged road to two lanes and addressed additional slope instabilities, officials said.
Due to the nature of the road repair, there was no access to Rialto Beach until the completion of the road work.
In addition to reinforcing the road and repairing the pavement and slope failures, workers also stabilized adjacent sections along the river side of Mora Road that were showing signs of instability.
‘Pre-emptive work’
“This pre-emptive work will help protect against future issues,” Wagner said.
“We understand the public’s desire to visit Rialto Beach, especially for the upcoming holiday weekend,” said acting Superintendent Lee Taylor. “The road work is crucial for continued long-term access to Rialto Beach, and we look forward to visitors enjoying the area once again.”
For current road and travel information, see www.nps.gov/olym or call the recorded Road and Weather Hotline at 360-565-3131.
For questions about backcountry permits, contact the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles at 360-565-3100.
