Project overview
This project will demolish and rebuild the Busch Bridge located at the Port of Almota on State Route 194 in Whitman County. The bridge has been reduced to a single lane since 2023 due to deterioration of the bridge deck.
What to expect
The bridge is expected to close the week of February 9, with demo beginning on February 23. There will be no vehicle access until the bridge reopens. The entire bridge, with the exception of the abutments, will be demolished. New girders will be placed on the abutments, and a new span will be constructed along with a concrete bridge deck. The project is expected to be completed by June 1, 2026.
Project map for the Busch Bridge at Port of Almota - Bridge Repair
The Busch Bridge at the Port of Almota was built in 1970. In 2023, the bridge was reduced to a single lane for about six months due to a large hole that developed on the bridge deck. This hole was caused by recurrent deflection in the girders. Diaphragms installed in 2023 reduced some girder deflection, but the bridge's deterioration continued. Despite repeated repair and asphalt resurfacing, cracks on the bridge deck continue due to movement of the bridge. Once complete, the new bridge will provide a smooth surface for years to come.