SNOHOMISH COUNTY – Snohomish County Public Works released its latest annual bridge report documenting the condition of all 211 bridges in its inventory. While the need for major bridge projects continues to outpace funding, seven bridges categorized for future rehabilitation or replacement are currently funded. More information about bridge conditions and replacement plans is available online in the 2025 Annual Bridge Report.
“Snohomish County proactively manages its road and bridge inventory, prioritizing the greatest needs for funding and construction,” Public Works Director Kelly Snyder said. “Our teams do a great job leveraging local tax dollars to secure federal and state funding for large bridge rehabilitation and replacement projects. As we continue to seek solutions to Public Works’ funding gaps, these inspections become even more important. Robust inspection and documentation efforts, like those found in our annual bridge report, help us secure additional funding and plan maintenance and repair schedules that keep bridges open and residents moving.”
Most bridge replacement and rehabilitation candidates are predominantly made of wood or a combination of wood, concrete and steel. While wood structures are lighter weight and structurally sound, wood elements require more frequent maintenance to slow deterioration. Out of the 211 bridges in the county inventory, 65 remain that are partially timber. This is a significant improvement since the mid-eighties when a great majority of bridge spans were timber. Since 1986, more than 100 timber bridges were replaced with concrete or steel structures.
“Many of our timber bridges, including most of our short span bridges, are showing their age,” County Engineer Doug McCormick explains. “Unfortunately, short span bridges that measure 20 feet or less in length are not eligible for federal funding. That puts pressure on our teams to stretch limited local resources even further. The first step is to identify issues early so we can plan ahead and avoid travel delays. Currently nearly all county-maintained bridges are open and safe for travel. There are 13 bridges posted with load restrictions.”
Last year, the bridge design group inspected 142 county bridges and helped manage two bridge replacements and one bridge rehabilitation project. In addition, design engineers worked closely with the Road Maintenance bridge crew to complete four major repairs and perform routine bridge maintenance and cleaning activities across the county. Operating under Interlocal Agreements (ILAs), the county also provided inspection services for 25 city-owned bridges.
All county bridges are inspected at least every other year. Conditions are well-documented and include a Good/Fair/Poor designation that helps engineers understand the condition of the bridge and prioritize which bridges may need maintenance or repair. Inspections are performed in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (NBIS) and the information is reported to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in order to determine the eligibility for federal rehabilitation or replacement funds.
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About Snohomish County Public Works
Snohomish County Public Works is responsible for approximately 1,600 miles of county roads, more than 210 bridges, and manages in excess of 200 traffic control signals. The department also processes more than 665,000 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 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, Instagram, and X for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.
Source: Snohomish County Public Works
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
