Date:  Friday, June 05, 2009

Contact: Allen Hendy, WSDOT Assistant Area Engineer, (360) 905-1522 (Vancouver)
Annie Linstrom, WSDOT Communications, (360) 905-2079 (Vancouver)

MORTON – Repairs to a damaged bridge pier on the SR 508, Tilton River Bridge (milepost 32.25) are scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 11. The bridge, located just west of Morton, was damaged during January 2009 winter storms, when the area endured a significant amount of flood damage, heavy debris in the rivers and rapid snow-melt. The damage consists of broken concrete and exposure under the foundation of the bridge pier created by the turbulent waters.

Single-lane closures and legal-weight restrictions will continue until repair work is complete.

WSDOT’s contractor, Mowat Construction Company of Woodinville, will begin mobilizing construction equipment to the bridge site as early as Monday, June 8, and build an access road to the project area. In-water work will begin once the proper permits have been obtained from Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.

During construction, an automated signal device will continue to direct all traffic to use the westbound lane when crossing the bridge. This will minimize stress to the affected pier under the eastbound lane. Motorists can expect up to 15-minute delays during peak travel times with flaggers assisting construction vehicles in and out of the project area. WSDOT estimates the project cost at approximately $700,000, and repairs are scheduled for completion by August 2009.

Mowat crews will conduct underwater repairs to the southeast bridge pier. Crews will build a protective casing around the foundation of the pier and pump water out of the damaged area. Once the pier foundation is clean and prepared, crews will pour concrete under the bridge foundation and install large boulders in front of the footing of the bridge to further stabilize its foundation.

The SR 508 Tilton River Bridge was built in 1947 and carries an average of 2,600 vehicles per day. Its last biennial inspection was performed in April 2009, when the damage was initially discovered.

For weekly updates on this and all other traffic impacts in the region, please visit the WSDOT Southwest Region Weekly Travel Advisory Web page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/SouthWest/Construction.

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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