Bremerton – Upcoming works on the Warren Avenue Bridge are likely to bring long back-ups of nighttime traffic and construction noise to the areas surrounding the bridge.
Resurfacing on the run is scheduled for three weekends in July, according to the state’s Department of Transportation:
- 8 p.m. on Friday, July 8, until 5 a.m. on Monday, July 11
- From 8 p.m. on Friday, July 15 to 5 a.m. on Monday, July 18
- 8pm on Friday 22nd July until 5am on Monday 25th July
Agency spokesperson Doug Adamson said that during work, traffic on the bridge will be reduced to one lane in both directions, and WSDOT expects long backups in the area. Drivers are required to travel only if necessary and avoid discretionary trips or travel earlier in the day or later in the evening when there are fewer vehicles on the road.
An estimated 37,000 vehicles daily use the road, according to WSDOT, and engineers believe backups can reach up to 8 miles in each direction while on the job.
“We acknowledge the difficulty that this type of construction causes, but it is something we want to do over a relatively short period of time for long-term gains,” Adamson said. “We’ve got three weekends where we’ll see a lot of traffic, especially if people don’t develop a commute strategy, but this work is keeping the bridge in good working order for years to come.”
Contractor crews will work in designated areas on the bridge to remove and replace faulty areas of the driving deck with a patchwork pattern. After a curing period for the concrete, the driveways will open to traffic.
“We’re fixing what needs fixing now,” Adamson said. “It’s important for us to fix these areas of failed concrete because we’ve seen emergency driveway closures in the past where we’ve had to block driveways and get out and do these emergency repairs. It helps with that. When we do this patchwork system, it’s a bit like fixing the roof of your house. At this time, we don’t have to replace the entire roof, but we are fixing the areas that need those repairs.”
Adamson noted that some work will take place at night.
“The kind of work we do requires jackhammers, and obviously that would be high,” Adamson said. “For upfront residents, we appreciate their patience. We will work as quickly as possible to get the job done and get the job done. We appreciate their patience and understanding in advance to get the work done.”
The work is part of a broader $1.45 million bridge preservation project across the region, including Grays Harbor, Mason, Jefferson and Kitsap counties.
Nathan Billing is a reporter covering Bainbridge Island, North Kitsap and Washington State Ferry at the Kitsap Sun. He can be contacted at 360-792-5242, nathan.pilling@kitsapsun.com, or Twitter at Tweet embed.
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