The Elwha River Bridge is a 90-year-old bridge that is being closely monitored by WSDOT because of erosion that has occurred around the piers, caused by changes in the location and flow of the Elwha River. In early October, WSDOT reinforced the piers by placing over 3,300 tons of riprap (large boulders) around the pier bases. WSDOT also implemented several monitoring systems to help gauge any changes in the status of the bridge.
The bridge has remained stable and is open to traffic. Future work will be required to maintain a reliable state transportation system in the area. WSDOT has begun its analysis on seven options for a path forward. The seven options for the bridge range from “do nothing” to building a replacement bridge while the existing bridge remains in use.
1. No build — Abandon the bridge and construct turnarounds at both ends of it. Use state highways 112 and 113 as a detour: $400,000 to $600,000; one year to build turnarounds.
2. Replace with state Highways 112 and 113 — Abandon the existing bridge and improve the state highways to National Highway System standards: $40 million to $50 million for immediate upgrades, up to $95 million to reach national standards; up to 10 years.
3. Alternate highway — Build a new highway between Highway 101 and Highway
112 west of the Elwha River on or near Eden Valley Road: $35 million to $45 million; two to three years.
4. Retrofit — Fix the existing bridge and stabilize its foundation. Existing 101 traffic
would use the bridge with occasional single-lane closures and detours onto 112 and 113: $10 million to $15 million; one to two years.
5. Existing alignment — Remove the existing bridge and replace it at the same location. Traffic would use detours during construction: $15 million to $20 million; two to three years.
6. Parallel alignment — Build a new bridge adjacent to the old bridge. Existing
bridge would remain open during construction: $15 million to $20 million; one to
two years.
7. New Alignment alternative – Build a new bridge on a new alignment across the
Elwha River. The existing bridge would remain open to traffic during construction: $18 million to $25 million; over 1 to 2 years. After construction was complete, traffic would be shifted onto the new bridge and the old bridge would be removed.
• WSDOT's Design Alternatives - US 101 Elwha River Bridge
• US Highway 101 detour if closure of Elwha River Bridge
ANALYSIS:
From a general economic development perspective, support of freight mobility and emergency response, ability to make a living and general quality of life, it is important to retain connectivity with the west end of the County utilizing Highway 101 across the Elwha River bridge instead of the circuitous and substandard route along the coast.
From a Port perspective, staff is concerned with the potential interruption on timber related harvest activities and deliveries into the Port and its customers.
It is important that WSDOT takes quick action in identifying and building a solution to this compromised bridge. Staff recommends support for alternative seven because it
has the least disruption on current activity and provides for a long-term solution while making the bridge crossing safer by improving the alignment to the approach on the east side of the bridge.
See full agenda: http://www.portofpa.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/12192016-209
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