If you were planning a trip to the Olympic Peninsula during the next six weeks and thought of using the Hood Canal Bridge … think again.
The Hood Canal Bridge, one of the few floating bridges of its kind, links Kitsap and Jefferson counties in the Puget Sound in Washington state.
It provides a convenient access to the Olympic Peninsula for both commuters and tourists. The bridge will be closed for six weeks beginning May 1, 2009, for renovation.
According to an article in the Kitsap Sun newspaper, “Rangers in the Olympic National Forest’s Hood Canal Ranger District are readying themselves for the closure, and trying to let people know they could experience delays with the increased traffic.”
“‘Our access is through (Hwy) 101,’ district ranger Dean Yoshina said from his Quilcene office. ‘We expect the traffic to be double, and that has a direct effect on our operations and our safety.”‘
One local couple, who live on one side of the bridge, but work on the opposite side, plan to park their travel trailer near work and commute home on weekends.
About 15,000-20,000 vehicles drive across every day. While the bridge is closed, there will be daily foot ferries, buses and alternate routes mapped out.
Read a Kitsap Sun article on how folks will be coping, by clicking here.
For updated information on the Hood Canal Bridge Closure click here
Photo: Denise and Jesse James, who live near Chimacum, Wash., are rearranging their commutes to their jobs when the Hood Canal bridge closes. Their travel trailer will be parked near work and used on weekdays. By Steve Zugschwerdt | For the Kitsap Sun
