Snohomish River Bridge project map from WSDOT
- Thursday, March 21 – Southbound SR 529 across the Snohomish River Bridge will be closed from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Drivers will be detoured to Frontage Road back to I-5. Local access to Smith and Spencer Islands will be maintained.
- This project was awarded May 29, 2012, to PCL Civil Constructors, Inc for $1.71 million, 41 percent below the engineer’s cost estimate.
- Construction is expected to start in spring 2013.
- Want to see how the bridge opens? More photos are available on our Flickr page.
Here is more information about the entire project…
The Snohomish River bridge carries State Route 529 and connects the cities of Everett and Marysville. It consists of two bridges – one for northbound and the other for southbound traffic. The northbound bridge was built in 1927 and the southbound bridge was built in 1954. It is a vertical lift bridge, which is a type of movable bridge where the middle span rises vertically while remaining parallel with the deck.
During annual inspections, structural engineers found small “fatigue” cracks in the machinery designed to lift the southbound bridge. The cracks were hidden in the machinery itself, which makes repairing them a challenge for crews.
While small and rarely visible to the naked eye, these cracks don’t pose any serious threat now, but crews need to make repairs soon.
Because this bridge is more than 50 years old it is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. By completing this rehabilitation work we will not only improve the structural integrity of the bridge, but we will preserve its historic value and ensure it remains in good working order for years to come.
Why is WSDOT doing rehabilitation work on this bridge?
Cracks were found in the machinery that lifts the southbound bridge deck up and down. The moveable parts, called trunnions and cables, need replacing. We completed the same maintenance repairs on the northbound bridge six years ago.
The End Result
Replacing the old moveable parts on this busy bridge will keep the structure safe and functioning for drivers who rely on them everyday. It will also improve safety and access for maintenance crews working on the bridge which will reduce maintenance costs and save tax dollars. Many of the bridge’s working parts will be rehabilitated and preserved for years to come, which saves money over time.
Project Benefits
- Improves the structural integrity of the bridge.
- Preserves bridge life while minimizing maintenance costs.
What is the project timeline?
- April 2012 – Project to ad
- May 29, 2012 – Project awarded to PCL Civil Constructors, Inc. for $1.71 million
- Spring 2013 – Begin construction
- Summer 2013 – Complete construction
Financial Information
Project signage will reflect the cost of construction engineering, project bid award and sales tax.
This project is funded from the following sources:
- State funds: $81,938
- Federal fund: $ 4.014 million
- Total: $4.096 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Mark Sawyer
Project Engineer
Phone: (425) 225-8799
E-mail: sawyerm@wsdot.wa.gov
March 20, 2013
Everett, Everett Government