Building BRIDGES to independence and pride

 By Caitlin Cormier, WSDOT Office of Equity & Civil Rights

We celebrate Disability Pride Month every July. This month we want to bring attention to a new partnership that includes personal, professional and disability pride.

In June, we joined with Seattle Public Schools for a pilot program that brought the BRIDGES program to Colman Dock. (Colman Dock is our Seattle ferry terminal.)

A busy Colman Dock on Seattle's Pier 52 was the site of the pilot BRIDGES program where students, in green WSDOT work vests, helped ferry passengers.

BRIDGES stands for Building Real-life Independent Daily Living and Gainful Employment Skills. It is a program designed for young adults with disabilities. People 18-21 years old who have completed grade 12 can take part. The program helps them meet their individual goals after high school.

Students go to various community volunteer sites with school staff. There, they can develop and hone job, life and independent living skills. The vision of the BRIDGES program is a world where young adults with disabilities gain new skills and feel empowered to be engaged community members. Participants get help to launch their successful and meaningful futures.

So, on two separate bright, warm June days, we, along with SPS staff, accompanied several students to Colman Dock. The terminal’s location and accessibility make it easy to visit the area. It’s a great place to see opportunities for those interested in working within the state Ferries system.

Students from Seattle Public Schools, in green vests, who volunteered as part of a work-experience program at Colman Dock, with SPS job coach Tim Bauer.

“The pilot was a success. We look forward to expanding to more opportunities like this in the future,” said Travis Mahlum, External Workforce Development manager in WSDOT’s Office of Equity & Civil Rights. “Staff members at the terminal were wonderful at explaining jobs. They gave these young adults the opportunity to assist guests who were scanning their tickets, boarding the ferry and looking for items at the Lost and Found booth.”

Justin Ellenson, BRIDGES Transition teacher with SPS, said, “We’re all very excited about bringing BRIDGES here! A large part of my job as a transition teacher is finding various opportunities for students to learn job-readiness skills. I’m thrilled about this partnership, because it can show these young adults new career paths that they hadn’t even considered. Getting to volunteer time with our local ferry system is a fun way to connect with our community in a meaningful way.”

Mahlum also shared that, “Programs like BRIDGES are crucial to bridging the equality gap for people in our most underserved communities who may otherwise be unaware of such chances to gain life and job experience.”

Ellenson expressed that his goal for students in the BRIDGES program is to learn skills that will help them become as independent as possible in their adult lives. He wants students to be able to advocate for themselves as they grow. He’s found that Seattle business owners have welcomed the students as meaningful members of the working world. They understand that everyone brings value in their own ways.

Importantly, BRIDGES is successful according to the students:

“While I’m at Colman Dock, I guide people through the turnstiles and help them with their tickets,” said student James Roderick. “I like the views, looking at the boats, and the smell of the salt water. It’s a calm environment and I’m looking forward to learning more next year.”

“I’ve been helping do the fire checks around the terminal and helping customers with their tickets. I like that it’s a different work experience,” said student Lily Meyer. “The people that work in the terminal have been helpful. Next school year, I hope to continue volunteering there.”

Working with SPS on this opportunity for these young adults reminded us that pride comes in all forms.

BRIDGES at Colman Dock in Seattle will restart in the fall, when the school year begins again.

US 12 Wishkah River Bridge repairs – another preservation tale

By: Olympic Region Communications

Aberdeen bridge gets a not-so-welcome present for its 100 ^th birthday

The century-old Wishkah River Bridge didn’t get a cake or candles when it turned 100 this spring – it got an unwelcome birthday present.

The Grays Harbor County icon was weight restricted in June, meaning large trucks like semis and others could no longer use the bridge. Vehicles over the weight limit had to detour around the bridge using US 101 and State Route 107.

When certain vehicles are restricted from using a bridge, signs are placed approaching the bridge notifying travelers. These signs were placed on US 12 near the Wishkah River Bridge after the bridge was weight restricted in June 2025. The signs were covered on July 22, after repairs were completed.

Have you ever hurt your knee or ankle and been told to keep your weight off it?

A bridge weight restriction is a lot like that. When our engineers find a problem, they may limit the amount of weight that can go over the bridge until the issue can be fixed.

The Wishkah River Bridge was given a break from heavy loads after a recent inspection showed one of its steel beams had signs of cracks and advanced decay.

One of the steel beams that supports the bridge was deteriorating.

During a 12-hour repair on Monday, July 21, crews fastened steel plates to the aging beam. Like a cast on a broken bone, the fix will help support the beam and allow the structure to hold more weight again. Once the repairs were made, bridge engineers determined the weight restriction could be removed.

Bridge crews fabricated steel supports to fasten to the corroded beam on the aging bridge. Due to the age of the structure, many of its parts must be custom made to be replaced.

Upcoming preservation work
It’s not all doom and gloom for the Wishkah River Bridge. We have a project scheduled to replace several mechanical components of the bridge that begins in 2026. This work will require a combination of nighttime lane closures and several four-day closures of the bridge. When the bridge is closed, travelers will detour either on the Heron Street bridge or via SR 107 and US 101.

We know this work can be disruptive for travelers, but we also need to balance to need to maintain and preserve our critical bridge infrastructure for future generations. We will announce lane and bridge closures in advance.

Harbor bridges
The Wishkah River Bridge is the oldest of five movable bridges on state routes in Grays Harbor County – and none of them are spring chickens. Originally built in 1925, the Wishkah River Bridge is a single leaf bascule span bridge. A bascule bridge is a type of drawbridge that moves in an upward swing to allow for boats to pass. On average, 16,392 vehicles a day cross the Wishkah River in Aberdeen using this bridge. The sign on the counterweight portion of the bridge also greets travelers to Aberdeen.

The next oldest is the 97-year-old Simpson Avenue Bridge on US 101. Each one needs preservation work that has been postponed year after year due to dwindling transportation preservation funds.

The five state-managed moveable bridges of Grays Harbor County. From top: The US 12 Wishkah River Bridge in Aberdeen is 100 years old and the US 101 Riverside Bridge in Hoquiam is 55 years old. The US 101 Chehalis River Bridge in Aberdeen is 70 years old, the US 12 Heron Street Bridge in Aberdeen is 76 years old, and the US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge in Hoquiam in 97 years old.

Our dedicated maintenance crew who care for the bridges know most of their quirks. For instance, they can’t open some bridges for boats when it gets too hot. That’s because the bridge will get stuck open when the steel in the structure expands in the heat. Other times, the bridges surprise them by blowing a hard-to-reach fuse.

These bridge structures were state of the art when they were built, but that was 100 years ago. Keeping them moving for both boats and vehicles is becoming more challenging. The aging structures fight time, tides, temperatures and a host of challenges posed by the harsh environments.

The bigger issue

Weight restrictions on bridges may not be something you think about. But we do. Our bridge engineers across the state are constantly assessing and evaluating more than 3,400 state-owned bridges.

In Washington, we have 133 bridges that are load posted or load restricted. Each is listed as a travel alert on our website. The longer this list grows, the more challenging it is for all of us to navigate familiar routes.

Without large scale preservation projects to repaint the bridges or, in some cases, replace them, we will continue to see bridges weight restricted, load posted or closed.

While we are able to address the current issue on the Wishkah River Bridge relatively quickly, weight restrictions can often be in place for several months or years. The size of the repair and type of restriction often determines how long it takes before a fix is made. Repairs are unique to each structure.

This is a really serious issue we are facing. A quick snapshot of nearby state bridges shows the maintenance and preservation backlog:

• US 101 Simpson Avenue Bridge in Hoquiam, age 97 needs its timber approaches replaced.
• The eastbound US 12 Heron Street Bridge, also in Aberdeen, is 76-years old and needs to be replaced. We plan on replacing the bridge deck in 2026.
• SR 109 Grass Creek Bridge north of Hoquiam needs to be replaced. We performed an emergency repair in 2022 to address excessive rot in some of the bridge’s timber piles – but it’s not a permanent fix.
• SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge outside of Carbonado was recently permanently closed after inspections revealed new deterioration of the steel supports across the 103-year-old bridge. There is no funding to remove the bridge. There is no public detour for this bridge.
• The SR 162 Spiketon Creek Bridge in Buckley closed in 2018 and reopened in 2019 with a temporary bridge structure. Funding for a permanent replacement continues to be deferred. The original bridge is 89 years old.
• SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge – this is the longest floating bridge in the U.S. in saltwater and is experiencing deterioration in the west half concrete bridge girders and beams. It also is weight restricted.

This list is a small snapshot of the bigger challenge that expands across the state. It’s a tough spot to be in. We don’t like closing highways because a bridge has failed – and we can only use funds designated for preservation to do the work.

We strive to combine careful management and schedules to maximize bridge lifespans. However, due to many years of underfunding, we simply don’t have enough funds to meet all our bridge preservation needs. Strategic investment now focuses on the “worst of the worst” bridges and pavements. We continue to communicate this growing backlog to lawmakers who shape our budget.

• This means we cannot be as proactive as we would like to fix minor needs before they become major problems.
• In many cases we’re merely slowing the rate of decay instead of proactively preserving our bridges.

You might ask what we factor when determining how to prioritize where to spend the limited preservation funds we have:

• Border bridges: Bridges that cross state lines receive added attention due to their regional importance and shared responsibility.
• Movable or floating bridges: These are often prioritized due to their complex mechanical systems and exposure to harsh marine environments.
• Lifeline routes: We work with state emergency managers to identify a network of essential state highways in areas of Puget Sound with high earthquake damage risk and the large populations. Bridges that need seismic retrofits in these areas are prioritized. This ensures we have a workable roadway network to bring in supplies and emergency vehicles in the event of a major earthquake.
• Severity of deterioration: The structural condition of a bridge plays a central role in how urgently it needs repairs or replacement.
• Risk of route closure: Bridges are prioritized if failing to perform the preservation work could lead to partial or full route closures, affecting safety and mobility (or until it can be stabilized and reopened).
• Funding: We use the list above, but the amount of funding lawmakers designate to preservation also must be factored in when deciding which work can and cannot be accomplished.

We’re glad we have a fix for the Wishkah and grateful for our crews, who pulled this together relatively quickly for all of us. We’ve learned to take our small wins whenever we can.

Commercial vehicle operators are responsible for knowing the loads of their vehicles. Additional information is found in the Commercial Vehicle Guide.

If you would like to learn more about bridge preservation, our Grey Notebook is a great resource to check out.

Hey everyone: the Montlake Project is complete*: finally!

By Steve Peer

After six years of construction, we’ve finally reached a major milestone for the SR 520 Program’s Montlake Project. This project has reached substantial completion (more on what that means below).

Constructing a project of this size isn’t easy in any circumstances. In this case, there was also a worldwide pandemic, a concrete worker strike, stormy weather and a bunch of other unexpected challenges. We couldn’t have built this project without the support and patience of hundreds of partners, lawmakers, advocates, businesses, and, of course, neighbors.

We want to share this video with you to celebrate all we’ve accomplished and thank everyone who helped us get to this point.

*The Project is actually “substantially” complete, not 100% done

Substantial completion is a term we use when a project has completed all the major construction elements. Substantial completion is different from “physical completion”. To get to physical completion, we need to cross off all the remaining tasks on our punch list. And by punch list, we don’t mean juice.

What’s a punch list?

A punch list (a.k.a. to-do list) is our final checklist. This is how we make sure the contractor has met all the project requirements and obligations. Here are some examples of items on the punch list:

• Installing a pole on Hamlin Street
• Planting missing vegetation
• Rebuilding or adjusting a few things that were not quite right (like ADA ramps and wayfinding signs for pedestrians and bicyclists)

We expect the Montlake Project to reach physical completion in the coming months. After that, our contractor, Graham, will maintain plants and landscaping for three years. That way we know they are healthy and okay. Also, just like a warranty you have on your car or an appliance, all constructed elements on the project are under warranty for one year. Our contractor would be on the hook to replace those items if they faltered or malfunctioned.

Bottom Line: all major work is done but some minor work still remains. We’ve (*substantially) delivered a project that has improved all modes of transportation in the area. We've also: 

• added green space 
• increased mobility 
• connected neighborhoods that were previously severed by the highway.

Thank you to everyone who helped us get to the finish line!

The One Where You Get Where You Want To Go: Seattle Summer Travel Guide

The one where they’re trying to figure it out… just like you planning your summer travel.

Summer in the Pacific Northwest is about as close to perfect as it gets – except for one thing, construction. And with Revive I-5, we have some of that happening.

Between closures, detours, transit, ferries and alternate routes, there are a lot of options and a lot of decisions. We know it can be overwhelming. The good news? No matter which option you choose, you won’t be stuck staring at a crumpled sheet of coffee-stained MapQuest directions, wondering if you missed your exit.

We’ve put together this travel guide to help you get where you want (and need) to go. Whether it’s a ballgame, a festival, a concert or just exploring somewhere new, a little planning goes a long way to make the most of your summer adventures.

Planning resources

• Community Transit – Plan My Trip
  Travelling to Seattle from Snohomish County? Community Transit can get you there.
• King County Metro - Trip Planner
  Enter your starting location and destination to find the best transit route.
• Pierce Transit – Trip Itineraries
  If venturing up from Tacoma and surrounding areas, check out Pierce Transit options.
• Sound Transit
  Find schedules and routes for the light rail, Sounder train, and express buses.

When you take advantage of a park and ride, you can drive to a nearby transit stop and head to Seattle without worrying about parking or inner-city traffic. It’s the best of both worlds.

Flip Your Trip is an excellent resource to get to and around Seattle. Check it out for everything you need to bike, scoot, walk, roll, transit, and share rides safely and easily.

Destination: Summer fun!

Seattle Center: You can get there by bus or rail. Take Link light rail to Westlake Station and then hop on the monorail. You’ll arrive right at the Armory. Metro routes 1, 2, 4, 8, 13, 24, 29, 31, 33 and the Rapid Ride D Line will also drop you off at Seattle Center. Rapid Ride E Line and routes 5 and 28 serve the Center along Aurora Avenue North. Get ready for your ride with the King County Metro trip planner.

T-Mobile Park/Lumen Field: Get down to SODO to experience the action. We recommend you walk, park and ride, or take a bus to your nearest light rail station (International District/Chinatown Station is a little closer to Lumen Field, while Stadium Station is a little closer to T-Mobile Park). Special Sounder Game Trains serve the area from as far as Everett and Lakewood. If you’re heading into downtown from West Seattle you can take the King County Water Taxi any day of the week, the Vashon Water Taxi runs on weekdays.

Seafair events: The multi-week event brings people together with fireworks, ships, and running (if you’re into that). Seafair’s main event (Seafair Weekend) happens Aug. 1-3. Seafair invites fans to use public transportation, including Metro and Link light rail, as well as ride-share and bicycle options. Guests arriving via Link light rail can get off at the Columbia City Station and take advantage of free round-trip shuttle service from the station to the park Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 3, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Seafair’s Torchlight Parade is back at its traditional evening start time this year. The parade kicks off at Alaskan Way and Broad Street before traveling south to its conclusion at the intersection of Alaskan Way and Yesler Way. Several Link light rail stations provide easy access to the route: Pioneer Square and Symphony Station are the closest.

Check out the Seafair website for the schedule and more info.

Prefer to drive?

I-5 express lanes will be northbound only for the duration of the work from July 18 to Aug. 18. They work for getting to the University District, Lake City, Northgate and then back to the I-5 mainline to all other northern destinations.

• July 18-21 and Aug. 15-18 (Full northbound I-5 lane closures from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street):
  Drivers on northbound I-5 heading north of downtown will have the option to take the express lanes. If you want to access downtown, you can use the eastbound I-90, Edgar Martinez Drive or the Dearborn, James or Madison Street exits. All other downtown exits from northbound I-5 will be closed
• July 21-Aug. 15 (Northbound I-5 two-lane reductions):
  Driving on mainline northbound I-5 is still an option. Plan for extra time as lane reductions across the Ship Canal Bridge, north of downtown Seattle, will likely slow your trip. All downtown exits will be open. The express lanes will also be available northbound.

Map showing full closure of northbound I-5 between I-90 and NE 45th Street in Seattle and the available options to drivers.

Heading south into downtown Seattle?

• Southbound I-5 will be open to traffic. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination as the express lanes will be running in the northbound direction during construction.
• Heads up commuters! I-5 express lanes usually operate southbound on weekday mornings. If you commute to downtown Seattle on weekday mornings, check traffic, plan alternates, and expect delays due to decreased capacity.

Heading west into downtown Seattle?

• July 18-21 and Aug. 15-18 (Full northbound I-5 closures from I-90 to Northeast 45th Street):
  Drivers can use westbound SR 520 and exit to southbound I-5 to get downtown. Drivers can also use I-90 to exit at Rainier Avenue South, 4th Avenue South, or Edgar Martinez Drive South.
• July 21-Aug. 15 (Northbound I-5 lane reductions):
  SR 520 or I-90 will be open and able to reach downtown.

But have you tried a ferry?

• Washington State Ferries from Bainbridge Island and Bremerton will take you right into the city.
• Washington State Ferries from Southworth and Vashon Island arrive in West Seattle. Be prepared for traffic and detours if headed north throughout construction.
• The King County Water Taxi takes you right into downtown Seattle from West Seattle and Vashon Island.
• The Kitsap Fast Ferry takes you right into downtown Seattle from Bremerton, Kingston, and Southworth.

Here are some final quick tips before we go:

• Take transit! It’s the best, most reliable way to get around – and youth 18 and under ride free.
• Check the WSDOT traffic app for real-time information to know before you go and plan your trip.
• Visit the Revive I-5: Ship Canal Bridge Preservation project page for more updates, closure info and a closer look at what’s next.
• Follow us on social media for real-time information and because we are funny over there.