Hood Canal Bridge Set to Reopen Ahead of Schedule!

Work that began on May 1 to replace the east half of the Hood Canal Bridge and the east and west trusses may be completed more than a week ahead of schedule, according to the Washington State Dept. of Transportation website, http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/regions/Olympic/.

The overall project is currently estimated to be 97 percent complete, despite some unseasonably foul weather that added 3 days to the 6-week contract timeline. Drawspan testing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3.

The Olympic Peninsula Wineries invite you to celebrate the reopening of the bridge with a scenic self-guided tour of our seven tasting rooms, located in the cities of Port Townsend, Sequim and Port Angeles. While you’re here, be sure to take a drive through downtown Port Angeles and see the transformation that has been in progress during the bridge closure. It’s part of an all-community volunteer effort dubbed, “Our Community at Work: Painting Downtown.” For more information on the project, visit http://www.portangelesdowntown.com/our_community_at_work.php.

No Bridge? No Problem! Take the Road Less Traveled

Don’t let the six-week Hood Canal Bridge closure (May 1 – June 15) keep you from experiencing spring on the Olympic Peninsula. Consider this “downtime” a catalyst for adventure with the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (aka Hwy. 101) leading the way! From wine tasting to wilderness beach backpacking to touring the Forks setting for Stephenie Myers’ best-selling “Twilight” series of books, this beautiful region has it all. A number of Olympic Peninsula resorts, inns, B&Bs and vacation rentals are offering spring lodging specials to make your getaway the best it can be. And, for those who prefer to commune more closely with Mother Nature, beautiful campgrounds abound throughout the region.

The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway traverses the east, west and north sides of the Olympic Peninsula in a 284 mile loop, which begins in Olympia and terminates in Aberdeen, located on the Peninsula’s southern edge, or vice-versa. The distance is ideal for a leisurely three-day weekend or longer vacation, but if short on time, choose a destination and continue your exploration on another trip.

To start planning your trip, go to www.visitolympicpeninsula.com.



Hood Canal Bridge Reconstruction

Originally uploaded by Washington State Dept of Transportation