Ruby Beach at Olympic National Park has reopened to the public/Rebecca Latson file

With construction work done, access to Ruby Beach in Olympic National Park in Washington state has reopened.

Ruby Beach closed to the public in June to allow construction work to take place. The reopened Ruby Beach features significant improvements to accessibility, allowing visitors of all abilities to better access and use parking areas, overlooks, and facilities.

As part of this project, the Ruby Beach parking area and its access road were graded and paved. Curbs, sidewalks, crosswalks, and steps were installed, making this popular beach access area safer for visitors and in compliance with Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards. New signs, bike racks, and pavement markings make this area easier to navigate. A newly installed storm drainage system is expected to reduce bluff erosion. Additionally, nearby restrooms were painted and repaired.

"We are so happy to welcome visitors back to Ruby Beach, and we appreciate their patience during the summer closure. Olympic National Park is a place for everyone to experience and connect with nature," said Lisa Turecek, the park's facilities manager. "These new improvements to the Ruby Beach parking area, overlooks, and trailhead will improve accessibility and help preserve this beautiful area."

The contract for this work was awarded to 2Grade Excavation & Development, LLC, of Port Angeles, Washington, in the amount of $910,985.

Ruby Beach is located on the southwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula, within the boundaries of Olympic National Park, and receives approximately 225,000 visitors annually. A trailhead near the parking area leads to a scenic beach.