PORT ANGELES — The plans as of Friday were for American Abatement & Demo of Auburn, under contract with the National Park Service, to demolish and remove the remaining Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge debris beginning Oct. 16.
This step in the ongoing efforts to restore visitor services and ensure public safety will require a temporary closure of the area. It could be that Hurricane Ridge Road will already be closed if the federal government shuts down this weekend.
Barring weather and infrastructure delays, the operation is expected to conclude before the winter recreation season begins, the park said in a Thursday press release.
“We are working to maximize efficiency at every step to ensure Hurricane Ridge reopens as quickly as possible,” said Jeff Doryland, acting facility manager, in the release.
”During this closure, we will also install temporary facilities and prepare for winter operations,” he said. “Barring unforeseen circumstances, we anticipate being able to enjoy winter on the Ridge with the community by early December.”
The current construction schedule for Hurricane Ridge as of Friday was:
• Oct. 11-12: The temporary trailers for Hurricane Ridge winter operations will arrive.
• Oct. 15: Good Man Sanitation Inc., under contract with the National Park Service, will remove the portable toilets that have served visitors throughout the summer season. A restroom trailer capable of withstanding the Ridge’s harsh winter conditions will serve winter visitors.
• Oct. 31: The trenching in the Hurricane Ridge parking lot will be complete. As of Thursday, electrical and fiber lines have been installed. Crews continue to work Monday through Thursday to install wastewater and freshwater lines, and re-pave areas.
• November: Crews will install and connect utilities to the restroom trailer and staff office trailer.
