Date:  Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Contact:
Jeff Cook, Project Engineer, 360-874-3010 (Port Orchard)
Lisa Copeland, Communication Manager 360-357-2789 (Tumwater)
 

BREMERTON – The old SR 303 Manette Bridge in Kitsap County was closed to motorists today after crews discovered a crack along a 20-foot section of the bridge.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) closed the bridge as a precaution until engineers can fully inspect the structure. Because the sidewalks are not affected, bicyclists and pedestrians can still cross the bridge. Inspection crews will be on site this evening.

“We need to keep the bridge closed until the inspection analysis shows it is safe to reopen,” said Kevin Dayton, WSDOT regional administrator. “Until then, we have no choice but to put safety first and keep vehicular traffic off the bridge.”

During the closure, the 12,000 daily drivers who use the bridge will detour onto the Warren Avenue Bridge, which is about a mile away.
The Manette Bridge was built in 1930 and has been showing its age. A new, wider bridge is being built to current codes and engineering standards, and will better accommodate drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians.

The $57.8 million Manette Bridge Replacement Project began in August 2010 and is scheduled to be completed in late 2011. For more information, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr303/manettebridgereplacement/.

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