5:27 p.m. Friday – BLACK DIAMOND – Preliminary reports show the SR 169 Kummer Bridge over the Green River is not moving, but must remain closed to traffic while WSDOT geotechnical experts gather more information.
WSDOT experts took measurements for three days and compiled results from newly installed tilt-meters for their reports. Though the bridge is not moving, the soil that supports the bridge is showing slight signs of movement that measures just fractions of an inch.
As a precaution, WSDOT experts want to gather another 24 hours worth of data to be sure the bridge is no longer moving. They also want to secure the live information feed between the bridge and WSDOT headquarters so they can monitor movement around the clock.
“We realize this is an inconvenience to drivers, but we want to err on the side of safety,” said Lorena Eng, WSDOT Regional Administrator.
When the bridge reopens, it will reopen to passenger and truck traffic.
WSDOT engineers and WSP closed the Kummer Bridge near Black Diamond at 3:19 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, after geotechnical experts detected small movements in the soil supporting the bridge.
WSP troopers and WSDOT maintenance workers are at both ends of the bridge directing traffic to the short detour route.
Passenger detour route
• Northbound drivers should take 400th Street to 212th Avenue SE to 218th Avenue SE to Black Diamond Road.
• Southbound drivers should use the same detour in reverse.
Driver information
• Drivers heading into the area should plan for delays on the detour route.
• Drivers should call 511 for the latest roadway information.
Work on the bridge
WSDOT has equipment and contractor crews in the area working on a slope stabilization project. The work has been under way for several weeks. For more information on the repair work, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR169/GreenRiverRepair/default.htm
Other closures
For information on other closures statewide, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/News/Update/countynavigation.htm
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