Construction crews have begun emergency repairs on U.S. Highway 12 in Naches after floodwaters from the Naches River washed away a significant portion of the roadway earlier this week, prompting closures and detours in the area.
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According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Apollo Incorporated has been selected as the contractor for the repair work. Construction started Saturday and is proceeding seven days a week in an effort to restore the highway as quickly as possible.
Heavy equipment is currently being used to dismantle damaged sections of pavement and break apart compromised rock and asphalt. The scale of the operation has resulted in the closure of a pedestrian walkway that had previously remained accessible.
In a press release, WSDOT said the work is focused on stabilizing the riverbank and rebuilding the damaged roadway. The agency stated the project will “create a buttress to block the river, rebuild the embankment, backfill the highway with gravel and then pave, stripe and install a guardrail.”
Detours remain in effect along Bonlow Drive and Allen Road as crews continue the repairs. WSDOT has emphasized that the detour route passes through a school zone and is urging drivers to slow down and remain alert.
While construction is currently expected to wrap up by early January 2026, officials cautioned that weather conditions could impact the schedule. WSDOT Public Information Officer Summer Derry noted that approaching winter weather may affect the project timeline.
The emergency repairs come amid widespread flooding across the region, with high water levels damaging infrastructure and prompting multiple road closures. Transportation officials say crews will continue working daily to safely restore Highway 12 and reconnect traffic through the Naches area as conditions allow.
Originally reported by Steven Hogencamp NonStop Local Multimedia Journalist in NBC Right Now.
