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The new Betts Bridge opened officially on Friday, February 16, 2007 |
Project Number: CRP 330322
Project Limits: Approximately 200 feet of roadway on either side of the bridge
Current Phase: The new bridge opened for public use on February 16, 2007
Project Type: Bridge replacement, connecting roadway improvements and stream restoration
Visit the project photo gallery
New Betts Bridge Now Open
The new Betts Bridge on Salmon Creek Avenue opened to motorists beginning Friday, February 16. Work began in May 2006 to replace the original bridge built in 1935.
Clark County Public Works and contractor Tapani Underground removed the old structure, which had deteriorated over the years, and replaced it with a span that features two travel lanes, a center turn lane, bike lanes and sidewalks.
The project included environmental safeguards and habitat enhancements to protect and improve water quality in Salmon Creek. The safeguards included removing the old bridge structure by using large cranes to lift it out in sections, and placing a heavy tarpaulin beneath the bridge to prevent any debris from falling in the creek. Habitat improvements included anchoring woody debris along the stream bank and planting of native trees and vegetation.
Construction began in May 2006 to replace this 70 year old bridge across Salmon Creek. The contractor hired by Clark County Public Works removed the old bridge in July and replaced it with a new span that meets current county road standards. The new bridge features two travel lanes, a turn lane, bike lanes, and sidewalks. It is made of concrete instead of wood and has a slightly different alignment than the existing structure. It is also wider.
Why did Clark County do this project?
This bridge was detriorating badly and needed to be replaced. Workers built the original bridge in 1935, and added more steel supports and a sidewalk in 1949. By 2003, bridge inspectors found that the wood and steel structure was starting to show the stress of about 3,100 vehicles crossing it every day. They closed the bridge and did some temporary repairs. When it re-opened, the county restricted passage to alternating signal lane use. In 2005, bridge engineers set load or weight limits on the bridge resticting use by large trucks. Replacement was clearly the best option.
Interpretive signs offer information about the
the original bridge and the natural environ-
ment of Salmon Creek.
Enhancing the natural environment
The bridge replacement project included environmental improvements for Salmon Creek. This restoration work included placing natural materials in the stream to improve salmon habitat. Trees removed to make way for the new bridge will also be replaced by native trees. All work has been timed and carefully monitored to protect fish and water quality in the creek.
For more information
Contact Project Manager Carolyn Heniges at (360) 397-6118 ext. 4522 or e-mail carolyn.heniges@clark.wa.gov.
