Click image to view entire map The Hood Canal Bridge is located between Kitsap and Jefferson counties at the mouth of the Hood Canal. It serves as a vital economic and social link between the greater Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula.
Construction cameras placed at the Hood Canal Bridge project sites provide a glimpse of the ongoing work that is taking place prior to the May-June 2009 closure.
Project Facts
- Replaces the east-half floating portion of the bridge. Replaces the east and west approach spans. Replaces the east and west transition truss spans.
- Final configuration will provide eight-foot continuous shoulders across the entire length of the bridge to allow for breakdowns, bridge maintenance, and allow bicyclists and pedestrians safer passage.
- Overall bridge length = 7,869 feet. Depth of water below floating pontoons = 80 to 340 feet.
Project Milestones and Events
WSDOT representatives will continue their public outreach efforts for the Hood Canal Bridge Project by attending events throughout the Olympic and Kitsap peninsulas. They will provide informational hand-outs and be able to answer project questions.
Upcoming 2008 events include:
- Sept. 27-28 - Old Mill Days, Port Gamble
- Oct. 11-12 - Dungeness Crab Festival, Sequim
Final Float-out: The final two newpontoons were floated out of Concrete Technology Corporation in Tacoma, Wash. on Aug. 1, 2008. The completion of pontoons U and W brings the total pontoons constructed for the Hood Canal Bridge's east-half to 14. It also ends new pontoon construction for the project.
Why is WSDOT
retrofitting and replacing the bridge?
The eastern half of the Hood Canal Bridge is nearing the end of its structural service life. Because repairs would not significantly extend the life of the bridge, rebuilding is the more cost-effective solution. Read the 1997 East Half Replacement Report (PDF format, 1,180 KB)
The End Result
When finished, the Hood Canal Bridge will have a new, wider east-half floating section, and new approach sections and transition trusses on the east and west ends. The west half has been widened to allow for continuous eight-foot shoulders across the entire length of the bridge -- matching the new east half and making for a safer bridge.
Project Benefits
The new Hood Canal Bridge will feature a wider roadway and state-of-the-art draw span components, but what does that mean for those who rely on it?
- Improved Safety - Wider shoulders will create more room for both motorists and bicyclists, improving safety for both as they cross the bridge.
- Reduced Congestion - Wider lanes and safety shoulders will help keep the 15,000-20,000 vehicles that cross the bridge daily moving smoothly.
- Reliable Systems - Upgraded mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems will translate into more reliable bridge openings.
What is the project timeline?
Construction on the Hood Canal Bridge began in 1997. The east-half will be replaced in summer 2009, and west-half retrofitting completed by December 2010. Follow the work on the Construction Progress page.
Public Involvement
Communication is vital to the success of this project. We strive to inform the public and policy makers of project progress and to engage everyone in the work. To find out more information, visit the Public Outreach page.
Environmental Protection
Environmental stewardship is a core value of the Hood Canal Bridge Project Team. Extensive plans are developed prior to all construction work to help protect wildlife and to minimize the effect of the bridge work on the environment. For more information, read the bridge's environmental assessment or visit the Environmental Protection page.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental
Services Web site for more information.
Increasing safety is one of our priorities
The project will provide a wider bridge with safety shoulders to improve the safety of motorists and bicyclists as they cross the bridge. Additionally, the new east half will not have the "bulge" that travelers currently navigate, making for a more direct and easier route.
Will this project impact tribal resources?
We value the relationships that we have with tribal nations around the state. That is why it is important for us to communicate and coordinate construction projects that may affect tribal resources. For more information, visit the Tribal Resources page or the WSDOT Accountability Web site.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- 2005 Gas Tax (Partnership Funding) - $162.1 Million
In 2005, the Washington State Legislature provided $162.1 million towards this project.
- Existing State/Federal/Other Funds - $308.8 Million
Other funding has come from Federal Bridge Discretionary budget ($4.7 million) and Federal Bridge Innovative Discretionary budget ($3.7 million)
- Total Funding Available from all sources - $470.9 Million
How can I get more information?
Contact:
WSDOT Hood Canal Bridge Project Office
950 Broadway, Suite 501
Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: 253-305-6400
E-mail: orfeedback@wsdot.wa.gov
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