EVERETT – The Index-Galena Rd Flood Repair project was 17 years in the making and took nearly three years to construct. The project overcame many challenges and required the coordinated efforts of a diverse group of stakeholders. For their contributions, Snohomish County Public Works, WSP Global Inc., and Goodfellow Bros., will be presented with the Project of the Year Award, in the transportation $25 to $75 million category, at the American Public Works Association (APWA) annual expo in Chicago on August 18, 2025.
“Snohomish County Public Works continues to push the envelope on what’s possible, overcoming challenges and pressing forward to deliver well-designed and functional projects for our county residents and visitors,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said. “The Index-Galena Road Flood Repair has restored critical access to a community and reopened an economic and recreational gateway to the upper Skykomish River and Wild Sky Wilderness.”
“It is such an honor to be recognized by APWA, for its members and board are acknowledging the hard work and dedication that goes into public infrastructure projects,” said Public Works Director Kelly Snyder. “The project built more than a road, it reconnected a community and returned year-round access to residents, emergency services, and outdoor enthusiasts.”
Index-Galena Rd between mile post 6 and 7 was considered a total loss after a historic flood washed out multiple sections of the road in November 2006. Vehicle access required a 40-mile detour that closed every winter. Because the road passes through the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, extensive coordination occurred between federal and state agencies, local Tribes, members of Congress, the United States Forest Service (USFS), environmental conservation groups, and the local community.
“The project had many challenges due to the volume of clearing and rock blasting needed, working near a river, and the remote location of the project site. All factors that required countless hours of engineering and discussion to move the project forward,” Deputy Director and County Engineer Doug McCormick explained. “Public Works was fortunate to work with experienced firms like engineering consultant WSP, geo tech firm Shannon and Wilson, and general contractor, Goodfellow Bros. From plan development through construction their ideas helped shape a more resilient roadway within a smaller footprint, leaving less area disturbed.”
To help prevent future damage to the roadway and enhance river and wildlife conditions, crews relocated the road away from the floodplain, upsized 15 pipe drainage culverts, constructed an armored concrete box culvert and two rock diversion berms, built five geosynthetic reinforced walls and a 180-foot single-span bridge. Great care was taken to remove old road debris and safeguard the nesting periods of the marbled murrelet and the streamside habitat of salmon. Large habitat enhancement features, such as large wood structures, engineered log jams and habitat boulders were installed to help promote biodiversity and more than 40,000 native species were planted.
“WSP is grateful for the opportunity to work with Snohomish County to advance such an amazing and once-in-a-lifetime project,” said Stuart Bennion, Senior Vice President, Senior Technical Director – Structures, WSP. “The realignment of a full mile of road along a remote and mountainous terrain provided challenges like access, groundwater and stability issues that required creative solutions to fit within the budget, meet environmental commitments, and address seasonal mountain conditions for 75 to 100 years. The County proved to be a great partner in overcoming these challenges and contributing to the project’s successful delivery.”
“Working on the Index-Galena Road project was both challenging and rewarding,” said Lane Shinnick, Goodfellow Bros., Washington Region Division President. “Navigating steep terrain, coordinating with multiple agencies, and adhering to environmental restrictions—like adjusting our work hours to protect the marbled murrelet—required adaptability and teamwork. Reopening this road not only restored a vital connection for the community but also showcased our commitment to delivering quality infrastructure while respecting the environment.”
To learn more about the project, read the winning award submittal on the project webpage.
Back-to-back Win
This award marks the second year in a row that Snohomish County Public Works has earned national recognition for a multi-year, multi-agency project. The county received the APWA 2024 Public Works Project of the Year Award in the Environmental under $5 million category for the Little Bear Creek Advance Mitigation Site (LBCAMS). The LBCAMS project restored a 17-acre site near Woodinville to address mitigation requirements for future roadway projects.
Relevant URLs:
- Index-Galena Rd Flood Repair webpage: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/624
- APWA webpage: https://www.apwa.org/news-media/
- Little Bear Creek Advance Mitigation Site webpage: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/4032/
About WSP
WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, uniting its engineering, advisory and science-based expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. From local beginnings to a globe-spanning presence today, WSP operates in over 50 countries and employs approximately 73,000 professionals, known as Visioneers. Together they pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects in the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, and mining and metals sectors.
About Goodfellow Bros.
A fourth-generation, family-owned heavy-civil construction company with 12 offices in Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii, GBI’s range of projects include airports, bridges, reservoirs and dams, golf courses, harbors, highways, housing developments, marinas, parks, underground utilities construction services, wastewater treatment facilities, wind and solar farms, fisheries, wildlife habitats and more. The company’s mission is to be the contractor of choice by our clients, employees and the communities in which we live and work.
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 in excess 200 traffic control signals. The department also processes nearly 670,000 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 second-largest department within Snohomish County government with nearly 600 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, Instagram and X for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.
Source: Snohomish County Public Works
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
