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Why is WSDOT painting the bridge and replacing the bridge deck?
Originally built in 1938, the aging Puget Island Bridge (officially known as the Julia Butler Hansen Bridge) connects Puget Island to Cathlamet in Wahkiakum County. The paint on the narrow steel truss bridge was flaking and peeling away, exposing the steel to the elements, which results in rust and corrosion. Portions of the timber bridge deck were deteriorating and in need of repair. Contractor crews installed a new bridge deck and repainted the structure. 

Osprey next relocation
WSDOT’s bridges are home to many species of wildlife and the SR 409 Puget Island Bridge is no exception. Ospreys have historically nested near the center of the steel superstructure. In preparation for construction work, contractor crews temporarily moved an osprey nest from the top of the bridge to a newly constructed platform. 

The End Result
Painting the bridge and replacing its deck will preserve the bridge's structural integrity, restoring this important transportation connection and prolonging the life of the bridge.

Project Benefits

• Preservation: The fresh coat of paint and repaired deck will help prevent future corrosion to the steel, preserving the bridge’s structural integrity.
• Economic: This project helps maintain a vital transportation connection, allowing the bridge to continue handling traffic for years to come.

Timeline

• Summer 2016: Design phase began.
• Fall 2017: Project goes to competitive bidding.
• February 5, 2018: Contract awarded to Royal Bridge, Inc.
• Spring 2018: Construction began.
• Spring 2021: Project completed.

Funding 

• Total project cost: $17.2 million.