Update on the US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge rehabilitation project for the week of April 21 - April 25.
What happened this week?
Citizens of Hoquiam rejoice. The last full week of the 10-week closure is behind us. After a grand re-opening ceremony next Tuesday, April 29, the detour will be removed and the bridge will reopen to traffic in time for the Wednesday morning commute.
The two-week long process of testing the electrical, mechanical, and safety components of the bridge, is scheduled for completion today.
Crews this week made final alignments, tightened bolts, painted structural steel and continued a variety of work activities in preparation for re-opening.
Looking ahead to next week
The city of Hoquiam will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the foot of the bridge. As the ribbon is cut, the drawspan will be lowered and a ceremonial first walk will proceed across the bridge.
While the re-opening of the bridge to traffic means most of the work is done on this $9.2 million project, crews will continue to test the performance of the bridge in the upcoming weeks. This includes opening the drawspan at least four times each day, for 20 consecutive days. These openings will be short in duration, and performed when traffic volumes are low.
A message from Hoquiam Mayor Jack Durney:
“I personally want to thank John Hart and all of the staff from the Department of Transportation and the Rognlin’s construction team who have done an excellent job making the detour and the construction move so smoothly” said Mayor Durney. “I also want to thank our businesses and the citizens who continued to shop locally during this 10 week project for their positive Hometown Hoquiam support and sprit.”