PORT ANGELES — A log truck crashed and spilled its haul on U.S. Highway 101 at Lake Crescent on Monday, blocking traffic in both directions for about six hours, officials said.
Kenneth Ridout was headed eastbound when the truck he was driving wrecked at milepost 229 near Barnes Point, Olympic National Park spokeswoman Barb Maynes said.
The cause of the wreck was unknown, she said. The National Park Service was investigating.
Ridout, 44, of Forks was treated and released from Olympic Medical Center, a hospital spokeswoman said.
The collision was reported shortly before 7 a.m.
First-responding park rangers found the truck and double trailer on its side blocking both lanes of traffic, Maynes said.
“Fortunately, there was a crane that was caught in the line of traffic, and that crane was able to right the log truck and get it back on its wheels again,” Maynes said.
Vehicles rerouted
Traffic was rerouted around the scene via state Highways 112 and 113 as crews worked throughout the day to remove logs from the highway, said Trooper Russ Winger, State Patrol spokesman.
A State Patrol commercial vehicle officer was on scene to help inspect the truck, Winger said.
Clallam County Fire District No. 2 crews responded to the scene.
One lane of alternating traffic was in effect by 1 p.m., the state Department of Transportation said.
Both lanes had reopened by 4:20 p.m., Transportation officials said.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
