Construction on the new Spiketon Bridge has begun after short setback.

The bridge, which is located on the Foothills Trail between Buckley and South Prairie, was closed due when an inspection found “significant damages” in November 2023, including extensive pest damage, water damage, and damage to the bridge’s top chord, according to Pierce county.

The Spiketon Bridge was demolished in June 2024.

A new bridge was expected to be installed and open by July 1, but workers found unstable soil around the bridge in May, requiring additional testing and design work.

The delay is caused the project to be pushed back by about two months, according to project manager Ted Yoder, but pier installation has begun and the bridge is expected to open sometime in late September.

Once the bridge is installed, the trail will be unbroken from Enumclaw to Puyallup, though there is currently a detour in Orting due to construction on an emergency evacuation bridge.

Additionally, keep your eyes open for temporary closures through 2026 as the Washington State Department of Transportation will be reconstructing culverts on Rauch Creek under state Route 162.