Aging Culvert Contributes to Bluff Erosion Near Port Angeles, Wash.

A damaged drainage culvert in Port Angeles, Wash., has led to erosion of a bluff canyon and forced a temporary road closure as Clallam County officials work to replace the 1960s culvert. Located near the corner of West Bluff Drive and Juan De Fuca Way, the culvert has caused what officials are calling a “Niagara Falls effect” and significantly increased erosion, to the point where the neighboring road is now dangerous to drive on.

What was recorded in February as 40 ft from the 180-ft deep ravine’s edge and Bluff Drive, has since shrunk to a mere 12 ft between the busy residential road and the bluff’s edge. The road has been closed to traffic since May 1 as crews work to halt the erosion. 

According to local news source Peninsula Daily News, crews have dumped truck loads of rock and gravel and installed a a temporary water bypass system to protect Bluff Drive from further erosion. These mitigation efforts are just that though, and a permanent fix is in the works. Assistant County Engineer Joe Donisi estimates the cost of the culvert replacement project will be approximately $300,000.

“The neighborhood is very happy that we’re there,” Donisi said. “We’re going to get it down the slope so we’re not pouring water on top of the ravine.”