Wishkah River Bridge fix leads to breakage; traffic backups lead out of Aberdeen

Aberdeen, WA – Traffic was backed up from the Wishkah River Bridge to outside Aberdeen city limits Tuesday after a failure at the bridge.

Th Washington Sate Department of Transportation told KXRO that it was repairs on the 95 year old structure that led to its failure and the backup.

According to WSDOT, on Monday during a scheduled vessel opening, bridge preservation staff noticed something had malfunctioned on the bridge and needed to be replaced.

Crews made the changes needed to repair the structure on Tuesday. During an opening to test the repairs, the bridge became stuck open.

Traffic was blocked from the bridge to at least Aberdeen Lake Road outside of the city.

WSDOT was working with local law enforcement to enact an alternate route when the bridge was finally repaired. During the approximately hour-long closure, drivers were routinely heading over Think-of-Me Hill and through Blue Slough to avoid the stoppage.

Built in 1924, the Wishkah River Bridge is under consideration for replacement during the current discussion on what to do to replace the Heron Street Bridge.

Replacing both bridges at the same time was an alternative up for review.

Tonight at the Rotary Log Pavilion, the preferred alternative to replace the Heron Street Bridge will be officially released.

“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.

 

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.