SR 4 to alternate through a single lane west of Longview

People who travel on Ocean Beach Highway (State Route 4) west of Longview should expect minor delays for the next several weeks.

Beginning Monday, Feb. 12, the Washington State Department of Transportation will alternate both directions of the highway through a single lane between Bunker Hill Road and Germany Creek Road (milepost 50) using a temporary traffic signal. The speed limit will also reduce from 55 mph to 25 mph.

Metal container boxes, also known as “conex boxes,” will be installed on the westbound side of the highway to prevent potential debris from falling onto the travel lanes. WSDOT has been monitoring the area since December, when trees, rocks and debris from a hill slide, blocked the road for several days. Contractor crews working for WSDOT will replace the protective fence that was damaged as a result.

Two-way traffic will return when the work is completed this spring.

Before heading out the door, travelers can learn more about current traffic conditions by visiting WSDOT’s travel alerts and by signing up to receive Cowlitz County email alerts.