SR 109 reopened, US 101 down to one lane

The good news is that State Route 109 between Hoquiam and Ocean Shores was opened Wednesday afternoon following work to clear a landslide caused by heavy rain. The bad news is that more slippage has occurred on Highway 101 south of Cosmopolis and a portion of the road is down to one lane, shared by traffic in alternating directions.

SR 109 at milepost two was opened at 2 p.m. Wednesday after Department of Transportation crews cleared the latest slide and set up concrete Jersey barriers. The road had been closed for a week, according to the Washington Department of Transportation.

Until further notice, Highway 101 at Cosi Hill will be one-way, alternating traffic, according to Doug Adamson, WSDOT communications. The pavement has settled and cracked, he said. Traffic is controlled by stop signs on either side of the slide, which is in the northbound lane. The site is monitored by the State Patrol.

“Over the past week, crews (working on the 109 slide) removed debris from the top of the hill, and placed roadway barrier along the shoulder. The barrier is intended help prevent additional debris from entering the roadway,” Adamson said after SR 109 was reopened.

“WSDOT would like to thank travelers for their continued patience while crews worked to stabilize the hillside,” he said.