Slide movement raises public safety concerns, prompts long-term SR 169 Green River Bridge closure

From the Washington Department of Transportation: 

BLACK DIAMOND-  WSDOT is closing the 80-year-old State Route 169 Green River Bridge for at least six months due to concerns over public safety. After reviewing extensive data gathered by electronic sensors in the landslide zone near the State Route 169 Kummer Bridge in Black Diamond, WSDOT geotechnical engineers have determined the structure is vulnerable to significant land movement.
 
Closure
WSDOT maintenance crews will close the SR 169 Kummer bridge tonight at 7 p.m., Nov. 18. The bridge may remain closed for up to six months for significant long-term repairs.
 
"I cant emphasize enough that this closure is about safety", said Paula Hammond, Secretary of Transportation. "We will do what is necessary to keep the public safe and preserve the bridge."
 
WSDOT geotechnical engineers believe the soil supporting the bridge is showing unusual movement that could be aggravated by recent heavy rain. They are concerned that the soil may not be able to support one of the southern most bridge pier. If the soil slides, the pier could move with it.
 
"The geotechnical experts watched the slide through the weekend and determined that something had accelerated the rate and direction this slide is moving," said Lorena Eng, Regional Administrator. "At this point it appears that last weeks heavy rains saturated unstable soil under the bridge, and that soil is now moving. With the next storm set to hit Wednesday, we do not want to take any chances with safety."
 
Next steps
The long-term repairs will take place in two stages. 
 
First, crews will remove excess water by clearing trenches, unplugging manholes and installing pumps to help drain water from the unstable hillside.
Secondly, crews will excavate the soil that is putting pressure on the bridge pier. They will dig out a section of roadbed 30 feet deep and 300 feet long just south of the bridge and replace it with lighter weight material.
 
All the work will be done as an emergency contract and will cost about $10 million. This is a rough estimate as the details have not been worked out.
 
Local drivers, emergency services and freight
The Kummer Bridge is vital to the communities of Black Diamond and Enumclaw. It carries an estimated 9000 trips each day including emergency services and law enforcement.
 
Detours
There are two detour routes: one for passenger vehicles and one for commercial trucks. Drivers can download the maps at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR169/GreenRiverRepair/Detour.htm
 
Drivers can follow project progress at:
www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/sr169/greenriverrepair/

City Offices Closed Thursday and Friday, November 27 & 28; Garbage collection on Wednesday and Friday

The City of Enumclaw offices will be closed on Thursday, 11/27 & Friday, 11/28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.  There will be NO garbage or yardwaste service on Thursday, but Fridays garbage and yardwaste will be collected as normal.  If you normal scheduled day is Thursday, please have your garbage and yardwaste available for pick up on Wednesday, 11/26 by 6:00 AM.  If you have any questions, please call the Solid Waste Department at (360) 825-5541.

Equestrian Center Plan Advances

The City of Enumclaw is continuing its plans to enhance the Enumclaw Expo Center, (formerly the King County Fairgrounds) into a premier equestrian and events center. Working closely with an equestrian advisory group, the City has prepared a concept plan for the site. The City has hired an architectural firm to develop the site plan for the Expo Center. The design team was selected for their prior expertise, having designed over 400 equestrian facilities internationally.

"Our goal is to keep the existing equestrian programs as well as the Fair, Scottish Highland Games, and OKC Dog Show" states Expo Manager Joan Lewis. "The new plan should improve the existing programs and attract new programs to the Expo Center, both equestrian and non-equestrian."

Equestrian advisory groups meet regularly to assist the City in its plans for the Expo Center. Member LarRae Powell, who organizes horse shows and competitions, commented "this will be the best horse facility in the region, truly a great plan." The concept plan is available for public viewing at City Hall, or by following this link.

Since 2005, the City has taken steps to implement its Economic and Tourism Plan. The plan recommends the development of the fairgrounds into an equestrian and events center, as well as marketing the community with an equestrian brand to attract tourism and future economic development.

For more information, contact Larry Fetter, Director of Enumclaw Parks and Recreation at 360-802-0236 or larryfetter@ci.enumclaw.wa.us.  You can also send in your comments and questions online by filling out the Feedback form here.  Please be sure to mark your comments for the Parks Department.