2026 construction season: WSDOT has multiple active work zones on US 101 and connecting state routes around the Olympic Peninsula this year. Most are part of a long-running fish barrier removal program. Expect reduced speeds, shifted lanes, and occasional one-way alternating traffic at several locations. Plan extra travel time.
Last refreshed: October 26, 2026 (Pacific) — work zones re-checked against the WSDOT Olympic Peninsula 2026 construction page.
Driving the Olympic Loop in 2026? Here’s What WSDOT Wants You to Know
If your plans include a drive around the Olympic Loop — or a trip to the Hoh Rain Forest, the coast, or Hood Canal — you’ll be navigating some construction zones this season. WSDOT has multiple active projects on US 101 and connecting routes across Jefferson, Clallam, and Grays Harbor counties in 2026.
The good news: WSDOT is keeping traffic moving through all work zones. The practical advice: leave early, check the WSDOT app before you go, and don’t count on maintaining highway speeds at every stretch.
Active Work Zones on US 101 — What to Expect Where
Near Port Angeles — Lees and Ennis Creeks
On US 101 just outside Port Angeles, fish barrier removal work at Lees Creek and Ennis Creek ran through summer 2026, inside a Fall 2024 to Fall 2026 project timeline: a speed limit reduced from 40 mph to 25 mph through both work zones, shifted lanes, no daytime lane reductions, and nighttime lane closures between 7 PM and the early morning hours. Tumwater Creek, the third US 101 site in the same project, is largely complete. Check WSDOT for any remaining fall work.
Near Ruby Beach — Milepost 165
One-way alternating traffic controlled by a signal is in place at milepost 165 near the Olympic National Park Ruby Beach entrance, for the Cedar Creek erosion repair on the highway shoulder following December 2025 winter storms. WSDOT lists this work as Fall 2026 to Winter 2026/2027 and says a permanent repair is being scheduled while crews monitor the site.
South of Forks — Jefferson/Clallam County Line
A fish passage work zone south of Forks at the Jefferson-Clallam county line remains in place while crews rebuild the stream under the new May Creek bridge (completed in September 2025), with single-lane alternating traffic and a 25 mph limit. The project timeline runs through fall 2026.
US 101 — Hoh River Bridge Emergency Repair
An emergency repair at the Hoh River Bridge ran summer to fall 2026 with around-the-clock one-way alternating traffic and a 25 mph speed limit for several months. Add extra time if your route crosses it, and check WSDOT for the current status.
SR 116 — Chimacum Creek Closure (Through About the End of October 2026)
On State Route 116, the culvert replacement at Chimacum Creek began after the July 4 holiday weekend in summer 2026. WSDOT’s 2026 construction page says the highway is closed until approximately the end of October 2026, with a signed detour via State Route 19, Irondale Road, and Chimacum Road. Travelers heading to Port Hadlock and beyond should check WSDOT for the current status before they go.
Hood Canal Bridge — SR 104
In late spring and summer 2026, travelers using the Hood Canal Bridge (SR 104) saw overnight closures from 11 PM to 4 AM as preservation work continued on the bridge’s shock absorbers and center lock system, and short maintenance openings lasting 30-40 minutes occurred during some daytime hours. Check the Hood Canal Bridge status page at wsdot.wa.gov before crossing for any current closures.
Tips for Driving the Peninsula
- Download the WSDOT app for real-time traffic, closures, and ferry updates
- Check engage.wsdot.wa.gov/olympic-peninsula-construction for the full project map
- Build in extra time at known work zones, especially on US 101 near Port Angeles and south of Forks
- For ferry planning, make reservations early on the Port Townsend/Coupeville route
Frequently Asked Questions: US 101 Olympic Peninsula Construction 2026
Where are the main construction zones on US 101 on the Olympic Peninsula in 2026?
Key areas: Lees and Ennis Creeks near Port Angeles (25 mph reduced speed, shifted lanes); milepost 165 near Ruby Beach (one-way alternating traffic); south of Forks near the Jefferson-Clallam county line (ongoing through end of 2026).
Is the Hood Canal Bridge open in 2026?
Yes. In late spring and summer 2026 it had overnight closures from 11 PM to 4 AM for preservation work. Check wsdot.wa.gov for current status before crossing.
Why is WSDOT doing so much construction on US 101?
Most projects are part of a court-ordered statewide fish barrier removal program, replacing outdated culverts under highways that block salmon migration. The “Coastal 29” project has been correcting 29 barrier sites along US 101 and SR 109 since 2023.
Where can I check current Olympic Peninsula road conditions?
Use the WSDOT app, visit wsdot.wa.gov, or check engage.wsdot.wa.gov/olympic-peninsula-construction for the full project map.
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