Whiskey Bend Road, the 4.5-mile road that connects Olympic Hot Springs Road to the Whiskey Bend trailhead, closed to all public entry for about four weeks starting today, Feb. 28.

During this time, a portion of the road at milepost 1.7 will be removed and rebuilt and heavy trucks and machinery will be in use, necessitating a full closure to all vehicle and pedestrian entry, park officials said in a press release last week.

A contract has been awarded to Cherokee Construction of Vancouver, Wash., to repair storm damage that occurred in early 2011. The contract amount is not to exceed $190,000; the final cost will be determined by how much work is needed to complete the repairs.

“We understand the popularity of the Whiskey Bend Road and trailhead, and are glad that these important repairs can be completed before our main visitor season begins,” Olympic National Park Superintendent Karen Gustin said.

In January, the Whiskey Bend Road reopened to vehicles after a year-long closure caused by extensive storm damage to the road.

The public is reminded that all areas west (downhill) of the Whiskey Bend Road are closed due to dam removal activities.

Webcams of Glines Canyon Dam removal and Lake Mills are available through the Olympic National Park website (www.nps.gov/olym/) or directly at www.video-monitoring.com/construction/olympic/js.htm and provide updated images throughout daylight hours.