View entire map This project replaces the green steel bridge at the top of Tumwater Canyon (MP 90.57-90.62), nine miles west of Leavenworth in Chelan County.
View entire photo The new bridge will be wider and won't have an overhead superstructure.
View entire photo The new bridge won't have footings that catch logs and debris like this one does.
Fall 2009
During the week of April 6th, 2009, a Value Engineering study was done for this project. That brought together design, engineering and construction experts inside and outside the agency to analyze the data and options to finalize a design and construction plan. Survey data, geotechnical information, and environmental resource data were gathered to design the different alternatives to minimize environmental impacts and maximize cost efficiencies. Depending on the final design option chosen when the results of the VE Study are compiled, this project may take two seasons to complete.
Construction is scheduled for 2011.
This Catastrophic Reduction Structure Preservation project replaces an old bridge on US 2 at the top of Tumwater Canyon, nine miles west of Leavenworth in Chelan County.
Why is WSDOT
replacing the Wenatchee River Bridge in Tumwater Canyon?
The current steel truss/concrete girder structure is functionally obsolete, which means it is too narrow to meet today's design standards for roadway width. Originally built as a railroad bridge in 1900, it was moved to this location in 1936 and converted to a highway bridge. The age and structure type doesn't allow for widening and it must be replaced. The small Drury Canyon Creek Bridge, about 2 miles east on US 2, will be replaced as part of this project.
The End Result
The current proposal for the new structure includes two 12-foot lanes with 8-foot shoulders. The current bridge has two 12-foot lanes and no shoulders. The new structure will also span a greater distance across the Wenatchee River with fewer footings, improving river flow and reducing the need to clear debris (logs jams, etc.) from the bridge after high water events.
Project Benefits
- Passenger Vehicle Safety -Provides wide shoulders on the bridge deck so vehicles can pull over.
- Truck Safety - Oversize loads will be better accommodated with a wider bridge and elimination of an overhead superstructure.
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety -Providing 8-foot shoulders on each side of the new bridge allows bicycles and pedestrians to cross safely.
- Environmental: The new bridge will allow for less backwatering and debris accumulation by increasing the span length across the river. A new concrete girder structure also eliminates the need to repaint the bridge on a regular basis.
What is the project timeline?
The project is currently in the initial design phase, with a scheduled construction start in late Spring 2011. This project will take two seasons to complete.
This project is planned to be constructed in conjunction with the US 2 - Chiwaukum Creek Bridge Replacement, which is located 3/4 of a mile to the west.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following source:
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Bob Romine, Project Engineer
WSDOT North Central Region
P.O. Box 98
Wenatchee, WA 98807
Phone: (509) 667-2880 or toll free (888) 461-8816
Email: rominer@wsdot.wa.gov
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