On Thursday, WSDOT contractors will begin a 30-day emergency contract for slope stabilization, culvert installation and rebuilding of the roadway
COUGAR – Following a culvert failure and washout on State Route 503, also called Lewis River Road, work to reestablish two-lane access will begin today.
On Thursday, Dec. 14, contractors working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will begin a 30-day emergency contract for slope stabilization, culvert installation and rebuilding of the roadway near Cougar in Cowlitz County.
What to expect
- Beginning Dec. 14, travelers may experience intermittent delays through the work zone of up to 20 minutes. People should plan for extra travel time, slow down through the work zone and look for flaggers.
- Freight restrictions will remain in place until the two-lane roadway has been restored.
“We recognize that SR 503 Spur is the primary roadway, and depending on the season, the only way in and out of Cougar,” said WSDOT Assistant Regional Administrator for Development and Delivery Devin Reck. “Reestablishing a safe and reliable connection for all roadway users is our top priority.”
On Tuesday, Dec. 5, WSDOT crews closed both directions of SR 503 Spur at milepost 35.7 due to a culvert failure from overwhelming rainfall. Later that afternoon, the eastbound lane of the highway eroded and washed away. On Thursday, Dec. 7, one lane was reopened at this location allowing traffic to alternate in each direction, with truck traffic prohibited to prevent further damage to the roadway. Maintenance crews have been working at the washout location around the clock since the culvert failure occurred to monitor water levels and roadway erosion.
WSDOT does not have a timeline for when during the 30-day contract the two-lane roadway will be fully restored. To receive future updates regarding reopening of the SR503 Spur to two lanes of traffic and freight restrictions lifted, subscribe to WSDOT travel notifications, Cowlitz County email list.
This 30-day emergency contract work is being done by NW Construction General Contracting Inc.
Travelers can get the latest traffic details by visiting WSDOT’s travel page or by downloading the WSDOT mobile app.
Also read:
- Opinion: ‘I-5 Bridge replacement plan does not accomplish the needs of the project’
Transportation architect Kevin Peterson outlines why the current I-5 Bridge proposal falls short on mobility, urban design, and transit, and offers alternative solutions including BRT and urban integration improvements. - Opinion: Two ways to keep right
Doug Dahl explains how Washington drivers must “keep right” differently depending on whether traffic flows in one direction or both, plus the exceptions that apply to two-way turn lanes. - C-TRAN board increases salary for CEO Leann Caver
C-TRAN CEO Leann Caver received a 2.5 percent raise as the board recognized her leadership and celebrated rising ridership numbers after years of recovery. - Clark County March storm response information and closures
Clark County Public Works is responding to reports of flooded roads and parks, with closures and safety advisories in effect as heavy rains impact the region. - C-TRAN: Light rail funding addressed again; changes are coming to C-TRAN board composition
C-TRAN approved new language tied to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program that shields smaller cities from light rail operating costs while shifting potential financial responsibility toward Vancouver and the urban growth area.
