Drivers who use U.S. Highway 12 south of Elma in Grays Harbor County should prepare for lane closures along a small stretch of the highway near Porter, according to a press release from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Beginning Sept. 6, contractor crews working for the State Department of Transportation will reduce Hwy 12 to a single lane of alternating traffic. In general, the lane restriction will be in effect each Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. through early October. The contractor does not anticipate overnight or weekend closures.

“We know this project will cause traffic delays, and we are committed to getting our work done as quickly and safely as possible,” said WSDOT Project Engineer Gaius Sanoy.

Heavy rains in late January caused debris from the hillside at milepost 27 to break loose. The highway was briefly closed while WSDOT geotechnical engineers assessed the stability of the hillside.

In an effort to reduce future slide-related closures, crews will first remove a relatively small amount of material — approximately 110 cubic yards — from the hillside, followed by a significant effort to install cable netting along the face of the slide area.

WSDOT anticipates traffic delays during construction. Drivers should plan extra time into their trips, and minimize discretionary trips when possible.

Drivers can stay updated on closure information at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/Olympic/Construction/