Project overview
This project will improve four stream crossings along State Route 6 near Pe Ell and Chehalis in Lewis County. The crossings, located near mileposts 22.94, 34.85, 35.85 and 43.61, are part of a statewide effort to remove barriers under highways and reconnect fish with important habitat they need to feed, grow and reproduce.
At each location, crews will remove existing culverts that block or limit fish movement and replace them with larger structures that allow streams to flow more naturally beneath the highway. Crews will also restore portions of the streams to improve habitat and make it easier for fish to move upstream and downstream.
What to expect
As the project progresses, construction schedules and traffic impacts will be finalized. Travelers should expect single-lane closures, with flaggers guiding traffic through the open lane one direction at a time, and delays of up to 20 minutes. Longer delays may be needed when crews install culverts or bridge sections.
The orange dots show the four project locations along SR 6 near Pe Ell and Chehalis.
Why fish passage matters
Fish barriers along state highways can prevent salmon and steelhead from reaching habitat they need throughout their lives. Young fish can be especially affected because they may not be strong enough to swim through fast-moving water in undersized or poorly placed culverts.
Replacing barriers with larger culverts, bridges and other fish-passable structures allows streams to flow more naturally and gives fish better access to places where they can feed, grow and reproduce. Restoring these connections supports healthier streams and long-term salmon and steelhead recovery.
Since creating a dedicated fish passage program in 1991, hundreds of barriers have been corrected, reopening more than 1,000 miles of habitat for fish. In addition to this ongoing work, a 2013 federal court order requires the state to remove certain culvert barriers that affect salmon and steelhead in parts of western Washington.
How fish barriers are identified
A stream does not need to have fish present at the time of an assessment to be identified as a barrier under the federal injunction. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife evaluates stream crossings using established criteria, including stream conditions, mapped fish habitat, observed salmon or steelhead and other biological information.
These assessments help determine whether a highway crossing blocks or limits fish movement and should be included in the state's fish barrier inventory.