Welcome to Skagit County

June 30, 2003

SKAGIT COUNTY RECEIVES FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SKAGIT RIVER SOUTH FORK BRIDGE PROJECT

$280,000 part of federal TEA-21 funds to stimulate the economy

SKAGIT COUNTY – Skagit County will receive $280,000 of federal funds for repairs and modifications to the South Fork Bridge over the Skagit River near Conway. During the May meeting of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) May Bridge Replacement Advisory Committee (BRAC), the project was approved pending a preliminary project site overview. That review has been completed and Federal Bridge Replacement funds have been approved.

The funding requires a 20 percent local match from Skagit County of $70,000. Findings and recommendations for the project include:

• Hydro-demolish the entire deck to a depth just below the top mat and place a lift of modified concrete so there is a minimum of 1-1/2 inches of clear cover.
  
• The bridge must be closed during construction and loadings minimized until the overlay has cured.
  
• Feather asphalt wearing surface on the approach roadway to accommodate the slightly raised deck. Also repair and modify joints for the new deck overlay.

Funding for this project is derived from the Transportation Efficiency Act of the 21st Century (TEA-21) emphasizing accelerated selection, approval, and construction of projects to help stimulate the economy.

“Last year, we were able to re-paint the Swinomish Bridge with BRAC funding. We anticipate another successful project for the South Fork Bridge,” said Skagit County Assistant Engineer Steve Flude.

For further information, contact: Dan Berentson
Skagit County Communications Director
360-419-3461