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Newakum Bridge repairs completed, bridge open for traffic

Published 2:47 pm Tuesday, October 11, 2022

By Ray Miller-Still

Enumclaw’s Newakum Bridge has a new crossbeam and is once again open to traffic. Photo by Ray Miller-Still

Enumclaw’s Newakum Bridge has a new crossbeam and is once again open to traffic. Photo by Ray Miller-Still

Enumclaw’s Newakum Bridge is back open after being closed for the last few months for repairs.

King County deemed the bridge — located on SE 416th St, between 288th Ave. SE and 236th Ave. SE — structurally unsound on July 28 after a routine inspection revealed “advanced rot” in the crossbeam in the middle of the bridge.

The damage was hastened by water and an insect infestation; roughly 1,600 vehicles per day had to take an alternative route while the bridge was closed.

It took about two-and-a-half months for the county to acquire the necessary materials, get the appropriate permits approved, and finish construction, which included installing a new wooden crossbeam 18 inches wide, 12 inches high by 30 feet long.

The bridge reopened Oct. 7; King County expects the project to cost around $130,000.

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