New Betts Bridge opens February 16

The new Betts Bridge on Salmon Creek Avenue opens to motorists beginning Friday, February 16. Work began in May 2006 to replace the original bridge built in 1935. Some finishing work remains to be done, so drivers should be alert for continuing activity in the area.

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 material along the stream bank and planting of native trees and vegetation.

“Both the crossing and the creek are better than they were before,” said Carolyn Heniges, Public Works Project Manager.

Betts Bridge is one of several, major road and bridge projects completed by Public Works in the past year. Others include:

Lucia Falls Bridge

Structural deterioration and the desire to bring the bridge up to current roadway standards spurred the removal of the existing deck panels, installation of new bridge railing and guard rails, and minor widening of the structure. 

NE 117^th/119^th Streets

Work completed last fall along NE 117/119th Street from NE Highway 99 to NW 7^th Avenue widened an existing road and built a new section that includes two travel lanes in each direction, the addition of a center turn lane, bicycle lanes and sidewalks, and a new traffic signal at the intersection of NE 117^th Street and Hazel Dell Avenue.

NE 137^th Avenue

Construction began in June 2006 to provide better traffic flow and improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists traveling this street that runs in front of Sifton Elementary School. A contractor completed most work while the school was closed for summer break.

NE Heisson Road

Work on the intersection of NE Heisson Road and NE 244^th Street concluded in November and now provides a smoother, safer transition of traffic through the intersection and roadway curve.  In an effort to reduce the high traffic accident rate at this intersection, engineers designed and reconstructed the area to have a flatter curve and improved sight distances.

NE 15^th Avenue

The road, which extends NE 15^th Ave. to NE 179^th Street, offers a new north-south travel route to 179^th Street. The road includes one travel lane in each direction, a center turn lane, bicycle lanes, and sidewalks.  A new traffic signal was also installed where 15^th Avenue now intersects with 179^th Street. 

Note to Editors: A gallery of photos covering Betts Bridge construction from start to finish is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/public-works/engineering/roads/BettsBridge3.html

for your review. Please contact Tracy Trunk at (360)397-6118 ext. 4810 if you want one or more of the photos in high resolution for publication.

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