Public input sought for bridge’s future

Pierce County Councilmember Dave Morell is encouraging community members to participate in the Carbon River Bridge Public Input period.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has launched an online open house to gather community input on the future of State Route 165 across the Carbon River. The bridge was permanently closed in April due to structural deterioration, ending years of vehicle weight restrictions caused by deferred maintenance.

Residents now have the chance to weigh in on what comes next. An online open house is available through June 17 at engage.wsdot.wa.gov/sr-165-fairfax-bridge where residents can view planning study recommendations and submit feedback.

For those without internet at home, free Wi-Fi is available at the Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave., and the Orting Pierce County Library, 202 Washington Ave. S.

More Wi-Fi locations can be found at commerce.wa.gov/wsbo/drive-in-wifi-spots. 

“This bridge has been a lifeline for rural communities in the Carbon River Valley for over a century. It should have been preserved long ago, and now we’re left playing catch-up,” Morell said. “I encourage folks to participate in this process and make sure the state understands how important this connection is to our local economy, emergency response, and daily life. Let’s push for solutions that are grounded in common sense and long-term value.”

On Tuesday, April 22, WSDOT permanently closed the SR 165 Carbon River Fairfax Bridge to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. The closure has created challenges for anyone who used the bridge. The data driven study will develop recommendations to address the current bridge condition.  During the study, WSDOT will work with local community representatives and government leaders.

For over a century, the bridge has provided access across the Carbon River Canyon for residents, businesses and visitors. This includes nearby communities of Carbonado, Wilkeson and other east Pierce County communities via SR 410 and SR 162. 

The bridge provided access to Mount Rainier National Park campgrounds, hiking trails and the 93-mile-long Wonderland Trail. The bridge also provided access to other recreational activities outside the national park.  SR 165, which crosses the bridge, is the only state highway leading to this area. 

More information about the study and background on the closure is available at the WSDOT website via tinyurl.com/3y6mpjnp.