OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — Access to Rialto Beach in Olympic National Park will be temporarily closed for up to six weeks starting today — with the exception of Memorial Day weekend — while the park works to repair flood damage on its stretch of Mora Road.
The project starts today and will restore the damaged road to two lanes and address other slope instabilities, according to a news release.
Due to the nature of the repairs, there will be no access to Rialto Beach until the roadwork is finished for the sake of visitor and worker safety.
The beach access closure includes backcountry trips through the north coast wilderness beginning and ending at Rialto Beach.
The beach will be accessible to visitors and hikers over Memorial Day weekend starting Friday, May 26, at 5 p.m. through Monday, May 29, at 5 p.m.
Mora Campground will remain open during the project.
Mora Road was reduced to one lane after Quillayute River storm flooding in the winter of 2015-2016 caused a major washout.
The road slumped, and monitoring of cracks in the pavement indicates that downward movement of the road’s subgrade is ongoing.
Engineers determined the road could not safely support vehicle loads. Further erosion has led to increased undermining of the roadbed.
In addition to the work to reinforce the road and repair the pavement and current slope failures, the project will also stabilize adjacent slope sections along the riverside that are showing signs of instability.
The parks says this pre-emptive work will help prevent future issues and that the project is crucial for continued long-term access to Rialto Beach.
For current road and travel information, park visitors can go to www.nps.gov/olym or call the recorded road and weather hotline at 360-565-3131.
For more about backcountry permits, call the wilderness information center in Port Angeles at 360-565-3100.
