Date:  Thursday, September 02, 2010

Contact: Lisa Copeland, WSDOT Communications, (360) 357-2789

GIG HARBOR – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) today closed two westbound lanes on the SR 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge for repair work on a beam. The closure began shortly before noon and is expected to last 24 hours.

WSDOT inspectors on Wednesday found changes in an existing crack in a six-foot steel beam underneath the bridge deck near the west end of the 1950-era structure. The beam will be replaced.

“These kinds of fractures are not uncommon in bridges,” said Kevin Dayton, WSDOT region administrator. “They move, bolts turn, joints creak and so on, and we have a dedicated crew that works on the bridge daily.”

Estimated repair cost is $20,000 and is funded through state bridge maintenance funds

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