Emergency slope stabilization work along US 101 south of Forks is prompting a series of nighttime highway closures beginning Thursday, Feb. 19, according to a statement issued by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) through its official alert. The repair effort follows heavy December rains that triggered a slide beneath the roadway and damaged the embankment above the Bogachiel River.

WSDOT reports that crews are working to stabilize the slope to prevent further failure. To allow construction activity to proceed safely, the agency is implementing full overnight closures of this stretch of US 101. Drivers traveling between Forks and communities south of the slide area should plan for delays, detours, or adjusted travel times during the closures.

Although the project site is far from Cowlitz County, US 101 remains an important corridor for Southwest Washington residents traveling to the Olympic Peninsula for work, recreation, or tribal and family connections. Travelers from the Longview–Kelso area headed north toward Lake Quinault, Kalaloch, or Forks may see extended travel times while the stabilization project is underway.

WSDOT has not yet announced a projected completion date for the repair, noting that the slope conditions require careful, weather-dependent construction work. The agency stated that updated schedules will be provided as crews assess progress.

Why this matters

Major rural highways like US 101 often serve as the only reliable through‑routes in remote parts of the state. Weather-driven slides have become increasingly common across Western Washington, placing added strain on both local and statewide transportation networks. For Cowlitz County residents, disruptions along major north–south and coastal corridors can affect travel planning, freight movement, and regional access.

WSDOT encourages travelers to monitor real-time conditions using the agency’s statewide travel tools and to check for updated closure information before heading toward the Olympic Peninsula.

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