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Julie Kuntz Fay Lim
Communications Specialist II Communications Supervisor
Julie.Kuntz@snoco.org Fay.Lim@snoco.org
425-388-6059 425-388-6413
Snohomish County’s 2020 Annual Bridge Report Summarizes Bridge Conditions and Highlights Replacement and Rehabilitation Plans
Four bridge construction projects are scheduled through 2024
EVERETT, Wash., April 23, 2021 – As part of its annual compliance requirement and comprehensive program strategy, Snohomish County Public Works published its 2020 Annual Bridge Report this week. The 46-page report includes a complete inventory of county bridges and on-the-ground inspection efforts.
“Our bridge team brings decades of experience and dedication to our county roadways, and the Annual Bridge Report is testament to that,” said Public Works Director Kelly Snyder. “Bridge inspection teams gather information about our bridge network throughout the year, using the most up-to-date information to prioritize projects and keep our bridges well maintained and communities and businesses connected.”
County road and bridge teams inspect and inventory 202 bridges that provide continuity between nearly 1,600 miles of road. This bridge network consists of:
- 7 culverts
- 23 steel bridges
- 29 multi-material bridges
- 38 timber bridges
- 105 concrete bridges
During 2020, yearly routine inspections were performed on 114 county bridges. The county also provided bridge inspection services for 35 city-owned bridges under interlocal agreements.
A total of 14 major bridge repair work orders were completed, and a bridge replacement was finished on Riley Slough Bridge 155 on Tualco Road near Monroe.
“Despite a challenging year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and storm-related damage in February 2020, county inspection teams completed all required bridge inspections,” said Public Works Deputy Director and County Engineer Doug McCormick. “The expertise and efficiency of our staff help us react quickly and plan for the future. We continue to leverage our residents’ tax dollars by applying and receiving grants to repair and replace bridges and culverts.”
Federal funding has allowed Snohomish County to replace on average one or two bridges every year. Federal bridge funds may also be used for rehabilitation efforts. By successfully competing for federal bridge funds, typically 80 percent of project costs are covered with a local match of 20 percent. The county has the potential to receive as much as 100 percent if new federal project incentives are utilized.
Since 2000, 52 county bridges have been replaced or re-built. Bridges prioritized for replacement are nearing the end of their service life and require increasing maintenance and repairs. A list of proposed bridge replacement or rehabilitation projects through 2024 include:
- Madden Bridge 58 (on Menzel Lake Road between Granite Falls and Lake Stevens) is scheduled for rehabilitation in 2022
- Jordan Creek Bridge 214 (on Jordan Road between Granite Falls and Arlington) is planned for replacement in 2024
- Richardson Creek Bridge 300 (on Woods Creek Road north of Monroe) is planned for replacement in 2024
- Swamp Creek Bridge 503 (on Locust Way between Bothell and Brier) is planned for replacement in 2024
Public Works inspects all county bridges at least every two years. A small number of bridges are inspected more frequently due to certain features that require additional monitoring. Bridge inspections are performed in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). Inspection information is shared with WSDOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to determine the eligibility for federal rehabilitation or replacement funds.
About Snohomish County Public Works
Snohomish County Public Works is responsible for approximately 1,600 miles of county roads, more than 200 bridges and manages about 200 traffic control signals. The department also processes nearly 600,000 tons of garbage per year. Its mission is to focus on safety and mobility while practicing fiscal responsibility and preserving the environment. Public Works has won numerous state and national honors for its work and is the largest department within Snohomish County government with approximately 500 employees plus seasonal
staff. Its main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201. Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorksfor more information about Snohomish County Public Works.