WSDOT Projects

View larger map - Tieton River east and west bridges


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Tieton River West Bridge

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Tieton River East Bridge

Project Facts

• Both Tieton River bridges will be replaced due to structural deficiencies.
• These bridges have been ranked high on the statewide bridge replacement list.
• The 2005 Transportation Partnership Funding provides gas tax money for this project.

This project will replace two structurally deficient bridges across the Tieton River with two wider bridges.

Why is WSDOT replacing bridges on US 12?
WSDOT will replace both Tieton River crossing bridges due to structural deficiencies. These bridges have been ranked high on the statewide bridge replacement matrix, and are scheduled for replacement to assure structural integrity.

The End Result
This project will construct two new bridges with wider lanes and shoulders approximately ten miles west of the US 12 / SR 410 junction. Both existing bridges are 24 feet wide and structurally deficient. The replacement bridges will be 32 feet wide, providing 12 foot lanes and four foot shoulders. 

As part of this project, WSDOT will move the roadway between the two bridges away from  unstable slopes to prevent rockfall hazards.

Project Benefits

• Safety.  This project will address bridge safety concerns as well as roadway concerns. The new bridges will be wider and safer for travelers. Rockfall hazards will be reduced and Visibility will be improved by realigning the roadway.
• Environmental.  This project will improve the natural flow of the river by removing the piers from the river. The new single span bridges will not require construction in the river.

What is the project timeline?
Early project design began in April 2004. WSDOT is currently in the preliminary design phase. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2009.

Public Involvement
Your thoughts and opinions are important to us. Please contact the project design office with comments or questions.

Environmental Protection
WSDOT will complete the appropriate environmental documentation for the projects to address potential environmental issues. As preliminary designs are refined, environmental issues will be evaluated and appropriate mitigation developed. WSDOT is committed to protecting the environment, and makes every effort to assess and minimize negative impacts from highway improvement projects.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.

Increasing safety is one of our priorities
Constructing two new bridges over the Tieton River will result in safer driving conditions and will reduce accidents. The risk of roadway hazards will be reduced and sight distance will be increased through roadway realignment.

Will this project impact tribal resources?
At WSDOT we seek to address the concerns of the tribal nations using the process outlined in Section 106 of The National Historic Preservation Act and the WSDOT Tribal Consultation Policy adopted in 2003 by the Transportation Commission as part of the WSDOT Centennial Accord Plan.

WSDOT has consulted with the Yakama Nation during the initial project design, and will continue to communicate with the Yakama Nation during the project.

Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources*:

• 2005 Transportation Partnership Package - $2.4 million
• Existing Funds - $12.0 million
• Total Funding Available from all sources - $14.4 million

*As approved in the 2008 Supplemental Transportation Budget.

For project schedules and updates, please see the Quarterly Project Report.

How can I get more information?
Contact:
Development Branch Project Engineer,
Jeff Minnick, WSDOT South Central Project Office
PO Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909
Phone: 509.577.1704
Email: minnicj@wsdot.wa.gov

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