Heron Street Bridge replacement plan chosen; meeting set to discuss preferred alternative

Aberdeen, WA – The preferred alternative to replace the Heron Street Bridge will be released this month.

The Washington State Department of Transportation says that a June 12 open house will unveil the survey results and benefits of the preferred method.

“After hearing from the public on four design alternatives to remove and replace the aging US 12 Heron Street Bridge in Aberdeen, the Washington State Department of Transportation and local partners invite the public to view survey results and final recommendations moving forward.”

In March, a public meeting was held to get input from the public on the 4 options presented to replace the bridge over the Wishkah River.

According to WSDOT, the response was overwhelmingly in favor of keeping the crossing in its existing alignment.

KXRO spoke with Dennis Engel, Multimodal Planning Manager for WSDOT, asking him what the current timeframe may entail.

The current bridge was first opened to traffic in 1949.

No funding sources for design or construction of a new bridge have been announced.

“We appreciate such a strong community turnout,” said Engel. “Public engagement and feedback from our local stakeholders are critical components to the planning process before any design and construction can begin pending funding approval.”

A drop-in style open house will highlight the preferred alternative. No formal presentation will be given, however region planners will be on hand to explain the bridge alternatives, answer any questions and take feedback.

When:	4:30 – 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 12
Where:	Aberdeen Rotary Log Pavilion 1401 Sargent Blvd., Aberdeen
Parking:	Parking is available on site at the pavilion. Local transit routes 10N and 40 have stops nearby.

 

	F Street Bridge	Heron Street Bridge	One 2‐Way Bridge	Two 1‐Way Bridges
Design	$5,500,000	$5,300,000	$5,500,000	$5,500,000
Right of Way	$3,600,000	$400,000	$8,000,000	$3,800,000
Construction	$60,900,000	$60,300,000 to $70,300,000	$103,500,000	$110,700,000
Total	$70,000,000	$66,000,000 to $76,000,000	$117,000,000	$120,000,000

Alternatives

F Street Bridge Alternative

PROS:

• 1½ – 2½ years estimated construction is the same or shorter than the other alternatives
• New public shoreline area along the east bank of Wishkah River
• The existing Heron Street Bridge stays open during construction of new bridge
• Available funds should cover all or most of the estimated $70 million cost of the new bridge

CONS

• Impact to south end of Zelasko Park
• Three businesses potentially affected by proposed bridge

Heron Street Bridge Alternative

PROS

• No Impact to Zelasko Park
• A temporary bridge provides for vehicle movement during construction of a new bridge
• No long-term effect on surrounding businesses by proposed bridge
• Available funds should cover all or most of the estimated $66-76 million cost of the new bridge

CONS

• Longest estimated construction period (3½  years) compared to the other alternatives
• Construction of a temporary bridge prior to removal of the existing bridge adds at least one year to the length of construction
• A temporary bridge may affect some businesses during construction

One 2-Way Bridge Alternative

PROS

• Both existing bridges stay open during construction of new bridge
• New public shoreline area along the east bank of Wishkah River
•     Lower overall maintenance costs when compared to two separate bridges
• 1½ – 2½ years estimated construction period is the same or shorter than the other alternatives

CONS

• Impact to a large part of Zelasko Park
• Seven businesses potentially affected by proposed bridge
• Available funds cover only part of the estimated $117 million cost of the new bridge. Additional funds would be needed from State Legislature, causing delays in starting construction and/or building in phases over a longer period of time.

 

Two 1-Way Bridges Alternative

PROS

• Both existing bridges stay open during construction of new bridge
• New public shoreline area along the east bank of Wishkah River
• 1½ – 2½ years estimated construction period is the same or shorter than the other alternatives

CONS

• Impact to the south part of Zelasko Park
• Three businesses potentially affected by proposed bridge
• Available funds cover only part of the estimated $120 million cost of the new bridge. Additional funds would be needed from State Legislature, causing delays in starting construction and/or building in phases over a longer period of time.

 

 

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