EVERETT, Wash., May 9, 2022 – Snohomish County Public Works will begin construction in mid-May to rehabilitate Madden Bridge 58 on Menzel Lake Rd between Granite Falls and Lake Stevens. The project will last approximately 12 weeks and requires a two-month road closure that is planned to occur while schools are out of session starting mid-June.
Madden Bridge 58 Rehabilitation Project
- When: Construction is targeted to begin in mid-May and finish prior to the start of the school year in September.
- What: Menzel Lake Rd at Madden Bridge is scheduled to be closed from mid-June through late August. Traffic will be detoured on Robe Menzel Rd.
- Where: Madden Bridge over the Pilchuck River on Menzel Lake Rd is located five miles southeast of Granite Falls.
“Rehabilitating bridges is a cost-effective way to extend their useful life and ensure the ongoing safety of the traveling public,” said Public Works Director Kelly Snyder. “Thanks to the federal funding received last year for this work, we are able to save local tax dollars and make the needed repairs to keep Madden Bridge open for many years to come.”
Built in 1956, the 138-foot long three-span bridge is showing normal signs of deterioration due to age. Public Works plans to replace guardrails, bridge rails and bearings, as well as make repairs to expansion joints. Crews are also planning to construct a new bridge deck overlay and replace a pavement section near the west approach to reduce future settling and provide a smoother transition for drivers.
During the planned road closure, a signed 12-mile detour will direct motorists to Robe Menzel Rd as an alternative route. After carefully reviewing construction impacts, budget, and safety considerations, Public Works determined that a full road closure is necessary. A full road closure reduces the total construction period and reduces overlay costs. It also eliminates vibration from traffic during the overlay process, which improves the long-term durability of the surface treatment.
The nearly $1 million rehabilitation project is funded from the Federal Highway Bridge Program, distributed by Washington State Department of Transportation, and the Snohomish County Road Fund. For more information or to sign up for email updates, visit the project webpage at https://snohomishcountywa.gov/5759.
About Snohomish County Public Works
Snohomish County Public Works is responsible for approximately 1,600 miles of county roads, more than 200 bridges and manages about 200 traffic control signals. The department also processes nearly 600,000 tons of garbage per year. Its mission is to focus on safety and mobility while practicing fiscal responsibility and preserving the environment. Public Works has won numerous state and national honors for its work and is the largest department within Snohomish County government with approximately 500 employees plus seasonal staff. Its main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA 98201. Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks or follow the department on Facebook and Twitter for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff