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News from King County Department of Transportation
The new bridge on Northeast Tolt Hill Road spans the Snoqualmie River west of Carnation, It replaces a narrow, deteriorating bridge that is more than 80 years old – and not built to handle modern-day needs. "People in our region depend on safe, reliable transportation systems to get them to and from home, work, and recreation opportunities. They are vital to our region’s economy and our quality of life," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "Throughout the region, bridges, local streets, and other facilities are vital to our core transportation system. Failure of these structures would be catastrophic in terms of human and physical costs,” said Sims. “The new Tolt Bridge was built to withstand the demands of modern life while honoring the natural beauty of the lower Snoqualmie Valley." The new bridge is approximately 165 feet upstream from the old bridge. It is wider and stronger making it safer for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The old bridge, built in 1922, had limited sight distance, a narrow roadway, and restricted weight limits. It also did not meet current seismic, safety, or roadway design standards. “By the late 20th Century, the area had outgrown the old bridge,” said King County Department of Transportation Director Harold Taniguchi. “The original bridge was too narrow, and its deck and supports were deteriorating quickly. There were poor sightlines for drivers on the west side. And, it was not seismically stable. “As much as we appreciate the old bridge for historic look and long years of service, it just couldn’t meet all of our transportation needs today and for the future,” said Taniguchi. The new bridge addresses all those problems. It is approximately 1,000 feet long, and consists of two 300-foot steel trussed spans, a short approach span on the west side, and three 120-foot concrete girder spans on the east side of the river. The new Tolt Bridge has the longest single span (300 feet) in the county’s 185-bridge inventory. It was built in ways that both protect and enhance the environment. One truss span lifts it above the surrounding wetlands, and the other truss span eliminates the need to place bridge supports in the Snoqualmie River. During construction, techniques were used to protect river habitat and juvenile fish. As part of the bridge project, the county opened up an old, narrow culvert to support fish passage in a tributary on the southeast side of the new bridge. The county also wanted to make the appearance of the bridge fit into its rural surroundings. “Working with the community, we came up with a design for the new bridge that reflects the old bridge’s historic appearance,” said Linda Dougherty, director of King County Road Services. “Soon, the old bridge will be demolished and the riverbank restored with native vegetation. But, parts of the old Tolt Bridge may be resurrected as a gateway at a local park.” Dougherty said construction of the new bridge was completed in 18 months. The old bridge will be dismantled and removed from the river in June and July. See also: Tolt Bridge fact sheet
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