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Dike Road reconstruction pushed by 408 process; county seeks temporary easement to keep project on schedule
Summary
Cowlitz County staff updated commissioners on the Dike Road reconstruction project (mileposts 3.05–5.32), funding from the County Road Administration Board RAP program, and the need for U.S. Army Corps Section 408 approval; staff requested a temporary construction easement for a property at 1299 Dike Road to allow the project to continue.
Cowlitz County Public Works staff told the board they expect to reconstruct Dike Road from about milepost 3.05 to 5.32 and that the project is funded in part by County Road Administration Board (CRAB) RAP funds. The project will reconstruct the roadway in place, widen some sections and remove clear‑zone obstacles, staff said.
Because the road sits on a levy built in the 1920s, the county must complete the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 408 review before major work can proceed. Eugenis told the board the 408 process has taken about 10 months to date; staff said Section 408 reviews typically take nine months to a year and a half and that the county hopes to have approvals in time to bid the project in April or May in order to build this coming summer.
Staff requested approval to present a temporary construction easement for the Waldo property at 1299 Dike Road for chairman signature, which would allow contractors temporary access and driveway reconstruction during the work. Eugenis said there is at least one more permanent easement outstanding and that the largest permanent easement from a local district has already been secured.
Why it matters: Dike Road is a key freight and local access route; delays in the Section 408 process and unresolved easements could push construction beyond the current season and allow the road to deteriorate further.
Ending: Staff said they will continue to pursue 408 approval and finalize outstanding easements; the temporary easement item will be brought forward for signature so the project can remain on schedule if the 408 approval arrives in time.
