WSDOT crews had to fabricate new steel beams and plates
Safety concerns prompted bridge inspectors from the Washington State Department of Transportation to close the span at 3 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, until repairs could be made. Crews worked around the clock through rough weather to design and fabricate replacement parts for the 85-year-old bridge.
“This is a perfect example of how quickly we can respond to an emergency situation and restore a vital transportation route to drivers and first responders,” said Dave McCormick, assistant regional administrator for maintenance and operations.
Drivers will still see some daytime, single-lane closures this week while crews finish working on barriers and curbs, but they should not create a significant impact to traffic.
Repairs to the bridge are estimated to be as much as $50,000. WSDOT will pursue reimbursement from the vehicle owner.
On a typical weekday, the bridge carries 15,000 vehicles and serves as a key link between Everett and Marysville.
Traffic thru Everett was a mess last night as people realized there are only two roads over the Snohomish River heading northbound from Everett and when one of them is closed, everything clogs up on Everett’s surface streets. Not a bad reminder that Everett is surrounded by water on three sides. North, East and West. May want to add that 3 day emergency supply kit to the Christmas shopping list.
December 4, 2012
Everett, Police Blotter