Date:
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Contact:
Marlin Lenssen, Project Engineer, 425-225-8796
Patty Michaud, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4964
During spring, the Pilchuck River's erosive waters rush past the footings on the SR 9 bridge, just north of Bryant. This seasonal event can create a lot of wear and tear at the base of the bridge.
A water gauge at the base of the bridge shows the difference between the late summer trickle and springtime river rush.
To preserve the bridge, WSDOT hired contractor KLM Construction Inc. to build a barrier of boulders that would deflect the creekâs erosive water and redirect its force. Crews needed to get this work done during the dry summer and before the next spring run-off.
Their first step was building an access road to the base of the bridge. After clearing the slope leading to the project area, workers placed three layers of material to build the temporary road. Fabric provided the first layer, followed by ground-up wood to cushion nearby tree roots from heavy construction equipment. Small rocks in the top layer created good traction for the equipment traveling up and down the slopes.
Crews also lined the river with netting to help keep baby coho and cutthroat trout out of the project work area.
We are nearly finished with this 15-day, $150,000 project. Crews completed building the protective barrier of boulders in time for the next spring run-off.
Crews have already removed the temporary access road to prepare the area for planting. Those who frequent the local fishing hole will soon enjoy native plants such as indian plum, salmonberry, elderberry and thimbleberry.
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