PORT ANGELES — Volunteers have completed another section of Olympic Discovery Trail.
About a mile of the former railroad grade in west Port Angeles was turned from a rough dirt path into smooth, graded trail Saturday.
“It’s a big relief to get it done,” said Chuck Preble, Peninsula Trails Coalition vice president, adding that work started in April.
Preble said about 18 volunteers helped the coalition build the trail between West 10th and 18th streets.
Instead of pavement, the volunteers mixed small rocks with clay to make a smooth surface, he said.
“It sets up almost like concrete,” Preble said. “It’s amazing stuff.”
The same material will be applied to the railroad grade from 18th Street to Lower Elwha Road, hopefully by the end of the year, he said, adding that weather may be an issue.
The Lower Elwha Klallam tribe is also building a section of the trail along its new access road, which will meet Lower Elwha Road, Preble said.
Once complete, the trail will extend to the Elwha River Road bridge.
Delhur Industries, Cronauer Construction and the tribe contributed people or machinery for the trail construction, Preble said.
Ken Loghry operated the grader. Vern Pritchard hauled loads of finish materials, provided by Rich James and Clallam County Public Works, while Dennis Holcomb gave discounts on crushed rock from his Black Mountain Quarry.
“These guys made it all possible,” Prebel said.
“Our very supportive city interface is Mike Szatlocky, public works engineer.”
Bollards to prevent vehicles from accessing it will be installed Saturday.
The trail is approximately 40 miles in length, with sections in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
