News Release

Release date: May 19, 2000

King County set to construct new Whitney Hill bridge

Work Will Require Closing a Portion of 212th Way Southeast

The King County Road Services Division will close a portion of 212th Way Southeast between Southeast 368th Way and Southeast 376th Street beginning at 7AM, May 30th. The closure will allow crews to replace the aging Whitney Hill Bridge spanning Newaukum Creek with a wider, safer concrete structure.

The current bridge, located just south of Southeast 368th Way east of Auburn, was constructed in 1943. Over the years, the bridge has become worn and has suffered structural deterioration due to stream flow. The new two-lane bridge and its approaches will have wider driving lanes and shoulders, which will provide enhanced safety for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. As part of the project, the county will also take steps to maintain and enhance gravel bars in Newaukum Creek to improve fish habitat and spawning areas. The project is expected to cost an estimated $1.7 million.

The county anticipates the closure of 212th Way Southeast will be limited to about four months in an effort to minimize inconvenience to motorists who will need to take alternate routes. The entire project is expected to be complete in October. Once the road is reopened, traffic will be permitted to travel across the new bridge and approaches while work is underway to complete the project.

During the closure of Whitney Hill Bridge, motorists should use 212th Avenue Southeast, Southeast 400th Street, 244th Avenue Southeast, Southeast 384th Street, 236th Avenue Southeast and Southeast 368th Street (Whitney Hill Road) as a detour route.

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