Date:  Friday, March 21, 2008

Contact: Lisa Murdock, Communication Manager, (360) 357-2789

BREMERTON – The Manette Bridge, which spans the Port Washington Narrows in Bremerton, will be on “light duty” starting next week when a heavy-load restriction goes into effect.

The restriction is based on the amount of vehicle-weight over the axle. Here are the axle-to-weight ratios of vehicles that will not be allowed on the bridge:

• Vehicles with two axles cannot weigh more than 21 tons.
• Vehicles with three axles cannot weigh more than 32 tons.
• Vehicles weighing more than 40 tons, regardless of the number of axles, are not allowed on the bridge.

WSDOT bridge experts recommended the weight restriction following the most recent routine inspection of the Manette Bridge.

WSDOT is concerned about the effect of heavy loads on the 78-year-old bridge’s structural condition and the weight restriction will help preserve the aging bridge. Heavy vehicle operators can use the Warren Avenue Bridge for travel between the community of Manette and East Bremerton.

“The load restriction greatly reduces the wear and tear on the bridge,” said Kevin Dayton, Region Administrator. “By taking the larger, heavier vehicles off the bridge, we can extend its useful life.”

The 1,573-foot-long bridge was originally built in 1930 and rebuilt in 1949. It is funded for replacement in 2010 with a 2012 target date for completion. The new bridge will be built to current codes and standards and accommodate motorists, along with bicyclists and pedestrians.

For more information visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR303/ManetteBridgeReplacement/.

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