Cowlitz County approves emergency contract to repair Barnes Drive embankment slip

Cowlitz County commissioners voted to approve an emergency contract with Quigg Brothers Incorporated to repair an embankment failure on Barnes Drive that closed the road after a Dec. 12 slide.

County Engineer Susan Eugene told the board the county authorized Quigg Brothers to begin work on Jan. 12 and that crews have raised the road to about 90% of the planned elevation. The county estimated the emergency contract at $646,325 based on agreed unit prices and quantities, and said crews are installing an added bypass culvert to reduce future overtopping. County staff described a nine‑mile detour currently in place for local traffic and said public works would set stakes for final elevation before paving. If weather and site conditions align, Eugene said paving could begin and the road could reopen by the end of next week.

An unidentified commissioner moved approval of the emergency agreement; the board approved the motion by voice vote. The action was presented as an emergency procurement to restore a public road and reduce safety and accessibility impacts for affected residents.

The county described the contract estimate and timeline as based on current field quantities and unit pricing. The presentation included no detailed contract schedule or subcontractor list in the public briefing; the county engineer indicated staff will continue to oversee completion and perform final inspections before reopening.

Next steps: county staff will complete final grade staking, finish culvert installation, pave the repaired section and confirm a formal reopening date once final work and site conditions permit.