Contacts:
Julie Kuntz Matt Phelps
Communications Specialist II Communications Supervisor
Julie.Kuntz@snoco.org Matt.Phelps@snoco.org
425-388-6059 425-388-3126
Snohomish County Releases 2022 Annual Bridge Report with Growing List of Funded Bridge Replacement Projects
EVERETT, Wash., May 8, 2023 – Every year Snohomish County inspects and documents its bridge inventory to help prioritize future maintenance and repairs, including major rehabilitation and replacement projects. Up-to-date information about all 205 county maintained bridges is now available online in the 2022 Annual Bridge Report.
“Our bridges are vital for linking communities and providing access for first responders. Public Works crews proactively perform inspections and maintenance to extend the life of county bridges,” Public Works Director Kelly Snyder said. “We are thankful for federal funding programs that help us move forward with bridge repairs and replacements at a significant savings to local taxpayers.”
The report highlights current plans to replace two bridges and one culvert in 2024 with more to follow in 2025. Construction dates are dependant on final permits and funding approval.
Before the county may seek federal grant funding for bridge rehabilitation or replacement projects, bridge conditions must be well documented. Documentation includes a sufficiency rating from 100 (a bridge in new condition) to zero (a bridge incapable of carrying traffic). Sufficiency ratings and other bridge classifications help priorize repairs and funding requests.
All county bridges are inspected at least every two years. In 2022, the county bridge group inspected 113 county bridges and Road Maintenance crews completed 10 major repairs, including work to replace stringers on Roesiger Creek Bridge 422 and a timber walkway on Swamp Creek Bridge 459. Construction was also completed on Jim Creek Culvert 679 and extensive rehabilitation work was performed on Madden Bridge 58. Working under Interlocal Agreements (ILA), county crews inspected 31 city-owned bridges last year as well.
“The hard work and dedication of the county bridge team is seen througout the year,” County Bridge Engineer Tim Tipton said. “Whether working with our own Road Maintenance teams, partners or local agencies, we are all committed to staying ahead of repairs and mininizing the impacts to our neighboring communities. Keeping bridges open and safe for public travel is our first priority.”
Bridge inspections are performed in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). Inspection information is shared with the Washington State Department of Transportation (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/PublicWorks or follow the department on Facebook and Twitter for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.