Both lanes of Shorey Road are closed to traffic after erosion along the Newaukum River was discovered Tuesday.
Lewis County Engineer Geoff Soderquist said the closure comes after recent rain hammered the region and raised river levels, though the river bank has eroded in the area before.
“It’s been a long-term problem,” Soderquist said. “Really, it’s a long-standing river migration issue.”
Photos show the erosion is about two feet from the riverbank.
The issue was discovered Tuesday by a community member. Soderquist said the northbound lane of Shorey Road has some cracks.
Lewis County Public Works implemented interim repairs on the road roughly two years ago, and a permanent repair is currently in the design phase. Work is expected to begin on the permanent repairs this summer when the road will be fully closed for construction.
Lewis County Public Works initially closed the northbound
lane of Shorey Road between Tune Road and Southwest Sylvenus Street on Tuesday afternoon, which expanded to a full road closure Wednesday morning after several motorists ignored posted signage.
As of Wednesday afternoon, crews were working to install temporary traffic control for the southbound lane to allow traffic to alternate directions.
