
Washington State Department of Transportation officials cannot provide an estimated time for reopening the highway
COUGAR – Due to earth movement beneath the highway caused by heavy rainfall, both directions of the State Route 503 Spur leading to Cougar at milepost 35.7, near Forest Service Road 81 in Cowlitz County, will remain closed until further notice.
The Washington State Department of Transportation cannot provide an estimated time for reopening the highway, as crews will need daylight to fully assess the damage and determine repair options.
Due to the substantial damage caused to the roadway, a road closure is in place for your safety. Do not drive through “Road Closed” signs.
Travelers are encouraged to use WSDOT’s travel tools before heading out the door. Real-time information is available from the WSDOT statewide travel map and the WSDOT app.
Also read:
- Letter: Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle makes several serious and incorrect engineering statementsBob Ortblad critiques engineering claims by Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, highlighting cost and safety advantages of an immersed tunnel for the I-5 crossing.
- Washington’s studded tire deadline is March 31Drivers must remove studded tires by March 31 or face a $137 fine, with WSDOT urging early action due to busy service centers and no planned deadline extension.
- VIDEO: WA diesel hits record $6.53, crushing truckers and school budgetsWith diesel nearing $6.53 per gallon in Washington, trucking businesses and school districts now confront sharply higher fuel expenses affecting budgets and workers.
- Opinion: In plain sight – yielding to pedestriansDrivers often fail to see pedestrians due to inattentional blindness, which highlights the need for more focused awareness at intersections and stronger safety practices.
- Expect delays on SR 14 in Vancouver for guardrail repairs WednesdayState Route 14 travelers in Vancouver should plan for morning delays as WSDOT will close two eastbound lanes for guardrail repairs, affecting mileposts 6.0 to 7.0.






