SR 4 has delays; ferry service is curtailed

Travelers on SR 4 or wanting to use the Wahkiakum County ferry faced delays and closures this week.

The Washington State Department of Transportation closed the eastbound lane of SR 4 near Stella to replace planks on a bridge supporting the traffic lane.

The department said it has been monitoring the aging structure for several years, and analysis from a recent inspection shows significant acceleration of the deterioration of the timber bridge deck on a short section of this bridge.

Meanwhile ferry service was halted Monday so that a contractor could move the Westport, Ore., landing to a nearby temporary landing so that the permanent landing could be expanded to accommodate the county's new ferry. Besides moving the ramp, the contractor will also have to improve the access road and install guard rails.

The closure was set to end Friday.