A bridge over the North Fork of Muck Creek near Spanaway will close for about four months starting July 17 while it is replaced. The existing bridge was built in 1959 and carries approximately 2,900 vehicles a day. The existing bridge is a creosote-treated timber stringer bridge with precast concrete deck panels. The 32-foot-long bridge, which is located along 8th Avenue East about a one-half mile south of 260th Street East, is expected to reopen in late November. A 7-mile detour will take motorists along Rice Kandle Road, 8th Avenue South, and 288th Street East. A project webpage and map of the route is available at www.piercecountywa.org/muckcreekbridge.

“The existing bridge was not designed to accommodate modern vehicle loads and volumes,” said Kraig Shaner, P.E., Pierce County Planning and Public Works bridge engineering supervisor. “Maintenance needs continue to increase as the bridge ages.”

The two-lane bridge, which is located near Spanaway and the southeast area of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, will be replaced with a single span prestressed concrete girder structure. The approaches to the bridge will be reconstructed. Crews will also replant plants in any disturbed areas.

About the Project: This project provides improvements to the 8th Avenue East Bridge No. 28183-A (CRP 5734) at its crossing of North Fork Muck Creek by removing the existing bridge and rebuilding the bridge and approach roadways. The construction cost is approximately $1,419,000. The project will be funded with $1,135,200 in Federal Highway Bridge Program (HBP) Replacement Funds and $283,800 in County Road Funds.

– photos courtesy Pierce County