Hamilton Cemetery Road Culvert Repair
Public Works | Engineering Division
Background
During a flood event in November 2022, Red Cabin Creek became obstructed at the existing culvert beneath Hamilton Cemetery Road (WDFW Site ID AR9), resulting in significant damage to the roadway embankment. Debris accumulated within the existing culvert, restricting the flow of Red Cabin Creek and causing elevated water levels and concentrated flow around the culvert entrance.
The resulting hydraulic forces created a whirlpool effect and eroded the roadway embankment on the upstream side of the crossing. The erosion ultimately resulted in a substantial washout of Hamilton Cemetery Road. Subsequent County and FEMA inspections documented a roadway failure approximately 50 feet long by 20 feet wide.
FEMA Support
The project is being administered through FEMA's Public Assistance (PA) program. FEMA funding is intended to support restoration of the damaged transportation infrastructure to its pre-disaster condition, while the County's planned replacement of the existing crossing will also address fish-passage requirements at the site. The project will include replacement of the failed culvert with a fish passable structure, reconstruction of the roadway embankment, restoration of the roadway, and associated site improvements.
