US 101 had been reduced to one lane since heavy rainfall in early January reactivated an ancient slow-moving landslide and caused a 160-foot section of the northbound lane to sink more than 2 feet.
Once WSDOT crews determined ground movement had stopped, they were able to level the road surface with nearly 1,200 tons of crushed gravel. A temporary 25 mph speed reduction will remain in place until further notice. Drivers are advised that additional rain could re-trigger the slide and traffic once more could be restricted.
The area, known as Rock Crusher Hill, is between mileposts 72 and 73. The Washington State Department of Transportation anticipates that construction on a permanent repair will begin this summer.
Know before you go:
Drivers can get a lot of information by visiting the Olympic Region Weekly Construction and Traffic Updates web page. Mobile phone users may want to consider downloading the Washington State Department of Transportation's mobile app. Driver updates are also available via Twitter and by calling 5-1-1.