Maintenance heads up, commuters and locals! The Milroy Bridge, that trusty steel truss over the Puyallup River, is getting a much-needed bath starting today, as per Pierce County announcements. This isn't just about looks, though. The cleaning is a preamble to an inspection, making sure our good old bridge aligns with the National Bridge Inspection Standards.
Built in 1931, the Milroy Bridge carries about 12,000 vehicles daily, connecting State Route 167 and North Levee Road East. During the renovations, a containment system will be installed below the bridge to catch debris without disrupting traffic. No detours are needed for the next six weeks, unless the weather has other plans, as reported by Pierce County.
There's a collaborative spirit behind this project, with the County reaching out and securing permits from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, ensuring the respect and care for significant cultural sites are maintained. The City of Fife is also in on the game, tying up this multi-stakeholder project with a collective bow.
Clean bridges are safe bridges, which is the mantra behind this endeavor. Once the cleaning is complete, the next step is to inspect the Non-Redundant Steel Tension Member (NSTM), one of those critical components most people never think about. It's all about ensuring this historical steel structure remains sturdy on its foundations, continuing to serve the community faithfully as it has for nearly a century.
