Cowlitz County approves emergency contract to repair Barnes Drive after embankment slip

Cowlitz County commissioners on Tuesday approved an emergency contract with Quig Brothers Inc. to repair an embankment slip that closed Barnes Drive after the December 12 washout.

County Engineer Susan Eugene told the board the county authorized work on Jan. 12 and presented an estimated contract of $646,325 "based on estimated quantities and the unit prices that we've agreed to." Eugene said crews had the road restored to about 90% and that staff were adding a bypass culvert to reduce the risk of future overtopping. If final elevations align, paving could begin the following week and the road may reopen by the end of the week, she said.

A commissioner moved to approve the emergency agreement and the board voted in favor. Commissioners noted the 9‑mile detour motorists had used during the closure and thanked the crews for prompt work getting the road nearly back in service.

The contract was presented as an emergency procurement to allow rapid response to an infrastructure failure. Commissioners and staff described the emergency work as necessary to reestablish a primary route and to reduce ongoing risk from high water and saturated embankment material.

The board did not discuss alternative bidders during the public motion and vote; the action was presented as an emergency contract award to the single contractor on site. The county engineer said public works would set stakes for final elevation and complete paving if weather and site conditions permitted.

Next procedural steps: staff will complete final inspections, finalize contract documentation and monitor the stabilized embankment; any related warranty or follow‑up tasks will be handled through public works.