Date:  Monday, November 10, 2008

Contact: Tony Kilmer, Work Zone Traffic Control Supervisor, 253-377-2897
              Kelly Stowe, WSDOT Communications, 253-536-6228

BREMERTON – Motorists in Bremerton can expect daytime closures of the Manette Bridge next week as crews complete the annual inspection of the structure.

Crews will close the bridge daily at 9 a.m., Monday through Friday, Nov. 17-21. The bridge will reopen by 3 p.m. and during the closure drivers can use the Warren Avenue Bridge to reach their destinations.

A complete closure of the bridge during the inspection process is necessary because the 1930 structure is too narrow for traffic, equipment and the bridge crew to be on the roadway at the same time and complete their work safely.

The Manette Bridge spans the Port Washington Narrows in Kitsap County. An $83 million project that replaces the bridge is in the final design phase. Construction on the replacement bridge is expected to begin in 2010.

About 12,000 vehicles a day cross the Manette Bridge. WSDOT restricted the bridge from accommodating vehicles with heavy loads in March because of concerns about the structural condition of the aging bridge.

For more information on the SR 303 Manette Bridge Replacement, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR303/ManetteBridgeReplacement.

Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time for their commute during the closures, and can call 5-1-1 or visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic for road and traffic updates.

< Back to News Home