News Release

Release date: October 20 , 2000

PUBLIC COMMENTS SOUGHT ON BEST ALIGNMENT FOR REPLACEMENT OF YORK BRIDGE IN REDMOND

The public is invited to attend an open house to see exhibits and offer input on the best alignment for replacement of the York Bridge, a reinforced concrete structure located on Northeast 116th Street in Redmond, in the Sixty Acres field complex a half-mile east of Willows Road. The public meeting will be held:

Tuesday, Oct. 24
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Redmond Regional Library, Room 1
15990 N.E. 85th St., Redmond
(near Redmond municipal center).

The York Bridge is scheduled to be replaced for a number of reasons. The existing bridge was designed and built 50 years ago for much lower traffic volumes and loads. Today the concrete is severely cracked, and King County has imposed load restrictions. The bridge would sustain severe damage in the event of an earthquake. In addition, the bridge structure creates visibility problems between drivers and trail users. The bridge also lacks nonmotorized user facilities, such as sidewalks and bicycle lanes.

When replaced, the new York Bridge will correct sight distance visibility problems. Both trails along the Sammamish River will be realigned to pass underneath the bridge, with access to the trails provided at two places from the bridge. This project will also provide a sidewalk on the north side of the bridge and bicycle lanes on both sides.

Construction on the York Bridge replacement is scheduled to begin in 2004, during which time the bridge will be completely closed. Alternate detour routes will be identified at the public meeting. At this stage, King County is conducting an alignment alternatives study to evaluate which alignment best meets the project needs. The open house on Oct. 24 is an opportunity for the public to give input about the various alignment alternatives and to learn about environmental impacts, land-use impacts, constructability and functionality.

York Bridge is jointly owned by King County and the City of Redmond. Federal funds will pay 80 percent of the replacement cost, with King County and Redmond splitting the balance.

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