With an eye on the future of transportation infrastructure, Snohomish County Public Works recently unveiled its 2024 Annual Bridge Report, now available online, which outlines its strategic approach towards maintaining and improving its extensive bridge network. As reported by Snohomish County, the report plays a critical role in tracking the condition of each county-maintained bridge and shaping repair and replacement priorities. "The annual bridge report is one of the many tools we use to develop a comprehensive strategy to fund, repair and replace bridges," Snohomish County Public Works Director Kelly Snyder stated, emphasizing the importance of detailed information in securing federal funds that cover over 80% of bridge construction costs.
As outlined by the county, five bridge projects have been lined up for federal funding, which includes the Jordan Creek Bridge 214 Replacement and Swamp Creek Bridge 503 Replacement, both set to commence next month. Furthermore, the Red Bridge 537 will undergo repairs this year, while the Pilchuck Creek Bridge 626 and Granite Falls Bridge 102 replacements are scheduled for 2027 and between 2028-2029, respectively. County Bridge Engineer Tim Tipton provided insights into the funding process, explaining that a transition to a Good/Fair/Poor designation based on new National Bridge Inventory (NBI) condition ratings is underway, which will phase out the previous sufficiency ratings such as 'Structurally Deficient'.
The NBI system uses numerical ratings for key bridge components to categorize bridges. Currently, out of the 210 county bridges, only eight have been designated with a poor rating. "Our strategy is to repair when we can and replace when needed and funding allows. All county-maintained vehicular bridges are open and safe for travel," Tipton highlighted the county's proactive approach to bridge management. Moreover, in the past year, the county bridge team inspected 114 bridges, executed eight major bridge repair orders, and collaborated with local agencies to inspect and maintain city-owned bridges.
In line with national standards, Snohomish County ensures that all bridges are inspected at least biennially, with more frequent checks for those with certain deficiencies. This rigorous inspection regimen is not only a testament to the county's commitment but also a critical element in maintaining eligibility for federal rehabilitation or replacement funding. Information collected is shared with both the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), facilitating the determination of eligibility for these much-needed funds. More details on the individual bridge projects, including their projected timelines, can be found on their respective project pages linked within the county's announcement.
