Project vicinity in Tacoma.
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A December 2002 rail car fire under the SR 509 Puyallup River Bridge caused damage to the bridge.
Watch fire video.
This project makes permanent repairs to parts of the bridge damaged by the fire.
See project photos.
November 2009
Closure planned for Saturday, Nov. 21
Construction work requires a full closure of SR 509 between downtown Tacoma and Port of Tacoma Road from 2 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21. During the closure, a signed detour will reroute motorists using I-705, I-5 and Port of Tacoma Road.
This week's construction traffic impacts
Repairs start on fire-damaged SR 509 in Tacoma
Fire video and project photos on Flickr
Current work
Crews are now working to remove the fire-damaged girders and replace them with new girders. Work continues through June 2010.
Traffic impacts
State Route 509 is reduced to two lanes, one in each direction between Portland Avenue and Port of Tacoma Road. The speed limit through the construction zone is reduced to 35 mph.
Motorists should expect delays and increased congestion, especially near Port of Tacoma Road at peak commute times.
Port of Tacoma's nearby Lincoln Avenue Grade Separation project also has traffic impacts near Port of Tacoma Road. Learn about Port of Tacoma's Lincoln Avenue Grade Separation Project.(Not a WSDOT project.)
Why is WSDOT
making special repairs to the SR 509 Puyallup River Bridge?
In December 2002, a rail car caught fire under the bridge. Intense heat from the blaze damaged a portion the bridge.
Following the fire, bridge engineers inspected the damage. Their assessment resulted in a weight restriction on the bridge and temporary repairs to some piers and girders.
This project makes permanent repairs to the bridge.
The End Result
The repaired piers and new girders restore this portion of the SR 509 Puyallup River Bridge to the original condition.
Project Benefits
Weight restrictions will be lifted when repairs are complete.
What is the project timeline?
WSDOT awarded the repair contract to Granite Construction Company in June 2009.
Repairs to the bridge columns were completed in October 2009. Bridge girder repairs started in November 2009 and the project is scheduled to be complete in June 2010.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- Pre-existing funds: $4.8 million
- Total funding from all sources: $4.8 million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Rumina Suafoa, Project Engineer
WSDOT Tacoma Project Engineer Office
1614 South Mildred, Suite M
Tacoma, WA 98465-1626
Phone: 253-534-3100
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