PORT ANGELES — You’ll walk over the river by going under the bridge.
Clallam County public works administrators have applied for more than $2 million to extend the Olympic Discovery Trail across the Elwha River. County commissioners approved the application Monday.
A 14-foot-wide, 792-foot-long pedestrian bridge will hang directly beneath a new 28-foot-wide motor vehicle span, according to the proposal.
Cars currently cross the river on a rusting one-lane bridge.
“The incredibly scenic Elwha River ravine at the pedestrian bridge will provide prime viewing of the nationally recognized Elwha Dam removal project,” wrote Rich James, senior county transportation planner, in the county’s application.
James also called it “a world-class destination stop.”
An archaeological survey of the project revealed no artifacts or cultural resources at the site. The Lower Elwha Klallam tribe has endorsed the project, which will provide additional access to tribal lands.
