OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK – A bridge allowing work crews access to Hoh River Road will get Olympic National Park on its way to opening the Hoh Visitor Center, camping area and Hoh Rain Forest to the public in West Jefferson County.
The area, about 13 miles south of Forks, is expected to be open to the public by May 1, according to Barb Maynes, park spokesperson.
The road was closed at its intersection with U.S. Highway 101 in November following a 75-foot long, 25-foot deep washout at West Twin Creek during a storm.
“We are eager to restore access to the Hoh Rain Forest,” said Park Superintendent Bill Laitner in a written statement.
A temporary one-lane bridge added recently allows employees to cross West Twin Creek to clear the roads and trail before the area is open to the public.
Installation of a permanent two-lane bridge is in the works for later this year or next year.
The park is also seeking initial public input on the proposal for a permanent bridge.
An environmental assessment is scheduled for release this spring.
Information on the project can be found at the National Park Service Web site at http://parkplanning.nps.gov.
Comments, which must be submitted by March 26, can be e-mailed to olym_ea@nps.gov.
They can also be submitted to Superintendent West Twin Bridge Crossing Olympic National Park, 600 E. Park Ave., Port Angeles, WA 98362 or faxed to 360-565-3015.
