The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced the selection of Guy F. Atkinson Construction for the repair work on the State Route 410 White River Bridge, as per a statement acquired by WSDOT. The well-traveled bridge, a crucial connector between Buckley and Enumclaw, sustained considerable damage due to an incident on August 18, and Governor Bob Ferguson has been swift in his response, insisting on a nonstop seven-day work schedule to expedite the reopening.
Starting today, Sept. 13, the contractor will kick off the construction endeavors, intending to restore the bridge in six to eight weeks – a timeline aligning with the governor's instruction. "Thanks to the hard work of our WSDOT crews, we're beginning permanent repairs ahead of schedule," Governor Bob Ferguson explained, acknowledging the significant upheaval the closure has brought upon local communities and expressing his determination to reconnect this "critical lifeline," as mentioned on WSDOT website.
An emergency proclamation was issued by Governor Ferguson on August 27 following the bridge's unexpected closure, which has allowed the state to chase federal funds for repairing the damage. WSDOT crews, in a commendable show of efficiency, installed temporary braces to secure the structure and prep it for the permanent mending process. The upcoming repair work includes replacing steel components that took a hit, heat-straightening warped parts, and touching up with fresh paint where needed.
For the duration of these repairs, the White River Bridge will remain closed to all travel, anticipating the reinstatement of the familiar two-lane traffic only once the restoration is complete. This strategy aims to maximize the contractor's efficiency and minimize long-standing impacts to the everyday bustle of nearby communities. During this closure, extended travel times are expected, with recommended detours via SR 164, SR 18, and SR 167 adding up to an hour to commutes.
Local cities, counties, and emergency services are in ongoing discussions with WSDOT to maneuver the detours effectively, ensuring that all affected parties, such as school districts and transit agencies, are kept in the loop and adeptly managed through this transition period.
