County’s Response to Closure of SR4

Here is a statement from the Wahkiakum County board of commissioners, Wednesday afternoon, in regard to the slide closing SR 4:

We understand that the closure of SR4 has caused significant inconvenience and considerable frustration to the residents and workers of Wahkiakum County. This road closure could not be avoided due to the hazardous conditions. Both the state and county have the public’s safety in mind when making these difficult decisions. SR4 was closed because of a major landslide near Germany Creek Road (MP 50).

Wahkiakum County officials are asking for your patience and understanding as we work through this situation. The following steps have been taken to improve travel conditions:

* 24-hour free ferry service between Puget Island and Westport, Oregon is being offered until SR4 reopens. Variable message signs regarding the wait time have been place on both the Washington and Oregon sides. Travel via Astoria may be faster when the wait time exceeds 1 ½ hours or 36 vehicles.

* Wahkiakum on the Move bus is providing transportation from Wahkiakum County areas to the ferry landing where riders will disembark the bus, walk onto the ferry, then re-board a bus on the Oregon side. The Oregon side bus will go to Longview transit center, Rite-Aid and Fred Meyer. They will be providing two round trip routes in this manner each day. Ambulatory Medicaid and RART riders are included. Scheduled times and locations can be obtained by calling 360-795-3101, 888-795-3101 and County’s website at http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us

* Parking: We are encouraging people to park their vehicles and take advantage of walking onto the ferry or to carpool. Please respect private property and driveway access.

--Washington Side: Parking available at Svensen Park and along the shoulders of E Sunny Sands Road.

--Oregon Side: Secure parking will be available by early evening. Security will be provided by Columbia Security 24 hours per day.

* Directional signs have been placed on the island for vehicles loading onto the ferry. Restrictions for turning onto SR 409 toward the ferry landing from East and West Sunny Sands Roads are necessary due to attempts to crowd into the ferry waiting line.

* Food, pharmaceuticals, and fuel are being delivered to the Cathlamet area. No disruption in these deliveries is expected.

* Emergency services will not be interrupted.

We would like to remind people of our emergency information phone number where you can find the latest information on road conditions, ferry operation, and parking information. This phone number is (360) 795-3911 or toll free at 1-877-795-3910. Information will also be posted on the county’s Facebook page and website at http://www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us.