EVERETT– To proactively maintain a bridge network of more than 200 bridges, it helps to have good documentation. Snohomish County Public Works relies on its annual bridge report to track the condition of every county-maintained bridge and prioritize future repairs and replacements. The 2024 Annual Bridge Report is now available online.
“The annual bridge report is one of the many tools we use to develop a comprehensive strategy to fund, repair and replace bridges,” Snohomish County Public Works Director Kelly Snyder said. “Having detailed information helps us effectively seek federal funding to maintain a safe, efficient transportation network. More than 80 percent of county bridge construction costs are covered through federal grants.”
Snohomish County has secured federal funding for five bridge repair and replacement projects, including three projects starting construction next month:
- Jordan Creek Bridge 214 Replacement (2025)
- Swamp Creek Bridge 503 Replacement (2025)
- Red Bridge 537 Repairs (2025)
- Pilchuck Creek Bridge 626 Replacement (2027)
- Granite Falls Bridge 102 Replacement (2028-2029)
“To qualify for federal bridge replacement funding, agencies must properly document conditions and need,” County Bridge Engineer Tim Tipton explains. “We have begun the transition away from the old sufficiency ratings like Structurally Deficient to a Good/Fair/Poor designation based on new National Bridge Inventory (NBI) condition ratings. These changes are to be phased in during the coming years.”
The NBI system assigns numerical ratings to various bridge elements, including the deck, superstructure, and substructure, and classifies the bridge as Good, Fair, or Poor. Only eight of the 210 county-maintained bridges carry a poor rating, which amounts to less than 4% of the total inventory. Of the eight bridges with a poor rating, three are currently funded for replacement, two are eligible for federal replacement funding, and the final three are being explored as maintenance projects.
“Thanks to our dedicated and experienced teams, we continue to successfully manage bridges throughout their entire life cycle,” Tipton added. “Our strategy is to repair when we can and replace when needed and funding allows. All county-maintained vehicular bridges are open and safe for travel.”
Last year, the county bridge team inspected 114 county bridges, completed eight major bridge repair work orders, and worked closely with the Road Maintenance division to perform an emergency embankment repair for Marten Creek Bridge 562 located on Mountain Loop Highway. The county also contracted with other local agencies for the inspection and maintenance of city-owned bridges.
All county bridges are inspected at least every two years. A small number of bridges are inspected more frequently due to certain deficiencies that require additional monitoring. Bridge inspections are performed in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS). Inspection information is shared with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in order to determine the eligibility for federal rehabilitation or replacement funds.
Relevant URLs:
- 2024 Annual Bridge Report: bit.ly/SnoCoBridgeReport2024
- Jordan Creek Bridge 214 Replacement: snohomishcountywa.gov/4117
- Swamp Creek Bridge 503 Replacement: snohomishcountywa.gov/4116
- Red Bridge 537 Repairs: snohomishcountywa.gov/6187
- Pilchuck Creek Bridge 626 Replacement: snohomishcountywa.gov/5837
- Granite Falls Bridge 102 Replacement: snohomishcountywa.gov/608
About Snohomish County Public Works
Snohomish County Public Works is responsible for approximately 1,600 miles of county roads, more than 200 bridges, and manages in excess 200 traffic control signals. The department also processes nearly 670,000 tons of garbage per year. Its mission is to focus on safety and mobility while practicing fiscal responsibility and preserving the environment. Public Works has won numerous state and national honors for its work and is the second-largest department within Snohomish County government with nearly 600 employees plus seasonal staff. Its main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201. Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks or follow the department on Facebook, Instagram and X for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.
Source: Snohomish County Public Works