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May 29, 2015

Homer Hadley bridge over the Puyallup River is being replaced; but you can still walk it

Photo from WSDOT [enlarge]

McMillin Bridge over the Puyallup River had the longest beam span or concrete truss (170 feet) in the United States when it was built in 1934, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.

But the bridge that carries traffic for state Route 162 in Pierce County has become obsolete and is deteriorating, prompting WSDOT to build a wider and safer bridge in its shadow to the east.

Selby Bridge Co. started building the new span in January and expects to open it in mid-September. It is a 270-foot-long prestressed concrete girder bridge.

The project's $10.6 million cost is funded mostly by the 2005 gas tax.

McMillin Bridge was designed by Homer M. Hadley, who is credited with the idea of a floating concrete bridge on Lake Washington. It was built by general contractor Dolph Jones of Tacoma.

WSDOT is consulting with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation on the fate of the bridge, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

John Wynands of WSDOT said the agency will keep the bridge, close it to traffic and reclassify it as a “non-operational structure.” WSDOT will inspect it less frequently, but will make sure it is capable of supporting its own weight.

Wynands said there was talk about realigning the adjacent Foothills Trail to cross the bridge, but Pierce County officials didn't want to move the trail.

WSDOT will install bollards and remove pavement leading to the bridge to keep vehicles off, but pedestrians will still be able to walk on it.

Wynands said they are trying to get funding for an interpretive sign.




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