Date:  Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Contact:
Jeff Cook, project engineer, 253-383-9622
WSDOT Communications, 360-357-2789

MANETTE – The Manette Bridge and the H.O. “Whitey” Domstad Viewscape provided a scenic backdrop Tuesday, Aug. 17, as federal, state and local officials discussed the attributes of a project that will improve how the structure and the vista serve the community.

Work to replace the 80-year-old Manette Bridge is under way, and when the new bridge is complete in early 2012, an expanded and reconfigured viewscape will tie in with a new roundabout. Federal dollars comprise 95 percent of the $57.8 million project.

About 50 residents and business owners were on hand to celebrate the construction that supports more than 500 jobs. Several said they were excited by the prospect of a wider, safer bridge.

“The new bridge will feature 5-foot shoulders, a 12-foot pedestrian walkway to improve safety and a new roundabout in Manette that will enhance the flow of traffic between here and Bremerton,” said Paula Hammond, Secretary of Transportation. “Thanks to input and support from the communities of Bremerton and Manette, we have developed a design that better serves travelers, and keeps with the historical flavor of this area.”

Hammond was joined by Cheri Williams of 6th District Congressman Norm Dicks’ office; Veronica Marohn from Gov. Christine Gregoire’s office; Sen. Derek Kilmer, Rep. Larry Seaquist and Rep. Jan Angel from the 26th District; Rep. Christine Rolfes and Rep. Sherry Appleton of the 23rd District; and Rep. Fred Finn from the 35th District; Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent, and city council members Adam Brockus, Greg Wheeler, Will Maupin and Nick Wofford; and Olympic Region Administrator Kevin Dayton to mark beginning of the project, which the group agreed bridges the area’s rich past with its bright future.

Before the bridge is built work must take place that will disrupt traffic flows through the communities.

Road closures scheduled during construction include a four-month closure of the old Manette Bridge in summer 2011. WSDOT will notify local residents and work with media and other outlets to inform travelers in advance of disruptions that close the old bridge for up to 24 hours. Pedestrians should expect sporadic delays of up to 15 minutes during the project.

The four-month closure allows crews to make final connections between the new bridge and a reconfigured roadway in Manette. Once the new bridge opens, derrick barges will be used to dismantle the old structure.

To learn more about this project, get updates and see photos of the work, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr303/manettebridgereplacement.
To learn about traffic impacts due to maintenance or construction activities, visit: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Regions/Olympic/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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