Why is WSDOT replacing the Wenatchee River Bridge in Tumwater Canyon?
The current steel truss/concrete girder structure is functionally obsolete, which means it is too narrow to meet today’s design standards for roadway width. Originally built as a railroad bridge in 1900, it was moved to this location in 1936 and converted to a highway bridge. The age and structure type doesn’t allow for widening and it must be replaced. The small Drury Canyon Creek Bridge, about 2 miles east on US 2, will be replaced as part of this project. The End Result The current proposal for the new structure includes two 12-foot lanes with 8-foot shoulders. The current bridge has two 12-foot lanes and no shoulders. The new structure will also span a greater distance across the Wenatchee River with fewer footings, improving river flow and reducing the need to clear debris (logs jams, etc.) from the bridge after high water events. Project Benefits • Passenger Vehicle Safety -Provides wide shoulders on the bridge deck so vehicles can pull over. • Truck Safety – Oversize loads will
