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.
Driving the Olympic Loop in 2026? Here’s What WSDOT Wants You to Know
If your summer 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 is ongoing through summer 2026. The speed limit is reduced from 40 mph to 25 mph through both work zones. Travelers will see shifted lanes. No daytime lane reductions at these sites — nighttime lane closures happen between 7 PM and the early morning hours.
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. This is an ongoing erosion repair on the highway shoulder following December 2025 winter storms. WSDOT is monitoring conditions and scheduling a permanent repair.
South of Forks — Jefferson/Clallam County Line
A fish passage work zone south of Forks at the Jefferson-Clallam county line remains in place through the end of 2026. This is part of the Coastal 29 fish barrier correction project that has been running on the peninsula since 2023.
SR 116 — Chimacum Creek Closure Coming This Summer
On State Route 116, a culvert replacement at Chimacum Creek is scheduled to begin after the July 4 holiday weekend in summer 2026. This will include a longer-term road closure with a signed detour via State Route 19, Irondale Road, and Chimacum Road. Travelers heading to Port Hadlock and beyond should plan accordingly.
Hood Canal Bridge — SR 104
In late spring and summer 2026, travelers using the Hood Canal Bridge (SR 104) will see overnight closures from 11 PM to 4 AM as preservation work continues on the bridge’s shock absorbers and center lock system. Short maintenance openings lasting 30–40 minutes may occur during daytime hours. Check the Hood Canal Bridge status page at wsdot.wa.gov before crossing.
Tips for Driving the Peninsula This Summer
- 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, but expect overnight closures from 11 PM to 4 AM in late spring and summer 2026 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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