Hoquiam's historic US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge is set for a daytime closure, and motorists needing to cross should anticipate some delays. From January 27 to 30, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) bridge maintenance crews will prohibit all traffic on the nearly century-old structure from attending to some much-needed repairs. During these hours, drivers will be rerouted to the US 101 Riverside Bridge, specially adjusted to handle two-way traffic.
The closure is due to the discovery of cracks in the aging steel beams, requiring immediate attention for the safety of travelers. These fissures were uncovered during a routine inspection, prompting the WSDOT to take swift action. "Crews will weld the cracks and reinforce the beams with steel plates during the closure," reports the WSDOT, clarifying the nature of the maintenance.
This bridge, crafted in 1928, is a vital link between Hoquiam and Aberdeen, managing an average daily traffic of 14,760 vehicles. Although the bridge has undergone significant repairs in the past, such as replacing its timber approaches and steel-grated deck in 1948, it remains in a state that WSDOT describes as poor.
As of June 2024, WSDOT reported that 229 of its owned bridges were in poor condition, with 315 aged 80 or older. Updates and real-time traffic information regarding this and other projects can be found on WSDOT's app and the statewide travel map.
