News Release

Temporary bridge on N Shore Road to be removed for winter; Graves Creek remains accessible from S Shore Road

Date: October 16, 2024
Contact: Public Affairs Office, 360-565-3005

Port Angeles, Wash. – Olympic National Park crews will remove a temporary bridge on the North Shore Quinault Road on October 23, 2024. This will split the Quinault Loop Drive into two out-and-back roads through the winter. Travelers can still use the South Shore Road to access the Graves Creek area. Crews determined the temporary bridge will likely not withstand the upcoming winter weather conditions. Crews will reassess the area and design a permanent repair next spring.  

“Safety and natural and cultural resource protection come first,” said Zach Gray, Deputy Facilities Manager. “The temporary bridge is at risk of being damaged by the rough winter weather, and removal is our best option. We understand the impact this removal will have on our community members and those traveling the Quinault Loop Road. We are working to find a lasting solution as quickly as possible.” 

The temporary bridge spans a failing culvert north of the intersection of North Shore and South Shore Road. The bridge was installed in the summer of 2023 to reduce the stress on the culvert and preserve the surrounding road.