Road realignment sought for new Tolt Bridge

Sept. 22, 2005

Road realignment sought for new Tolt Bridge

Action sets the stage for bridge construction next spring

Current view of the Tolt Hill Bridge.

Drawing of the new Tolt Hill Bridge.

King County Executive Ron Sims has transmitted to the King County Council an ordinance establishing new right-of-way on Northeast Tolt Hill Road – the last significant legislative hurdle clearing the way for construction of a new Tolt Hill Bridge near Carnation. Approval of the ordinance will allow the King County Road Services Division to obtain the necessary right-of-way to begin constructing the new bridge next year.

Sims is calling for replacement of the old Tolt Bridge on a new alignment spanning the Snoqualmie River on Northeast Tolt Hill Road between State Route 203 and West Snoqualmie River Road Northeast.

"Replacement of the Tolt Bridge has long been a priority for both the community and the county," Sims said. "I’m pleased we have been able to identify the necessary funds to construct this vital project."

The current Tolt Bridge was constructed in 1922, and suffers from general deterioration. The bridge has become increasingly costly to maintain, and has some safety deficiencies due to an awkward road alignment. The ordinance establishing alternative right-of-way along Northeast Tolt Hill Road will significantly improve safety and sight distance.

By the end of the year, the county will have replaced or rehabilitated eight rural bridges; Elliott Bridge near Maple Valley, Meadowbrook Bridge near Snoqualmie, Harris Creek Bridge near Duvall, Raging River Bridge near Fall City, Cottage Lake Creek Bridge in the Bear Creek area and Semanski Bridge near Enumclaw.

"Bridges in rural areas are key links in our transportation network – bridges that people depend on every day to get to school and work," Sims said. "Yet we struggle as a region to find the money to pay for even basic preservation and maintenance," said Executive Sims. "If we want to preserve our bridges and roads and create the added capacity to meet our future transportation needs, we must remain committed to finding new funding sources."

Construction of a new Tolt Bridge, including the realignment of approaches and demolition of the old bridge will cost an estimated $23 million. The new bridge is expected to open in fall of 2007.