With less than six weeks until a major traffic hurdle plagues the Plateau, people are making alternate plans for traveling between Enumclaw and Buckley.
The White River Bridge will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday, April 15, until noon Saturday, April 23. During that time, work crews will make permanent repairs to the steel span.
The state’s Department of Transportation says a frequent question from the public involves pedestrian access during the bridge closure. Specifically, some are wondering if they will be able to park on one side of the bridge and stroll to the other.
The quick and simple answer is no.
According to a DOT release, after conversations with the project contractor it was determined that pedestrians and cyclists will not be allowed access during the bridge closure.
The DOT released the following: “There will be a lot of equipment moving overhead and sparks from welding. There’s also repair work that once it starts, it can’t be stopped to let pedestrians and cyclists through. The crew will have the appropriate safety equipment to be in an active work zone, but pedestrians and cyclists would not and we can’t compromise public safety.”
The bridge, built in 1949, is a crucial link between King and Pierce counties, crossed by an estimated 20,000 vehicles per day. Travel between Enumclaw and Buckley typically takes 10 minutes or less. While the bridge is closed, the simple commute turns into a 45-minute trek.
A year has passed
Permanent repairs will take place about one year after the bridge was damaged. As part of a regular inspection on April 4, 2015, the DOT found damage to several support beams. Engineers believe an over-height vehicle hit a horizontal beam approximately 15 feet 6 inches above the westbound lane.
The bridge was immediately closed for one week so workers could make temporary repairs. There have been short, periodic closures while that work is inspected.
Considering both the temporary and permanent repairs, the DOT pegs the cost of the bridge work at $1.55 million. The money is coming from both state funds and a federal emergency allocation.
Short delay on Sunday
On the subject of the White River Bridge, the DOT has announced another inspection that will cause minor delays for a relatively short time.
From 6:30 to 10 a.m. Sunday, March 13, one lane of the bridge will be closed while inspectors check the status of temporary repairs. Flaggers will be on hand to channel motorists through the single, open lane.
