All the bridge components needed to replace the Hood Canal Bridge’s 3âÑ4-mile eastern half are expected to be moored in Port Gamble Bay by Tuesday for the $499.8 million replacement project.
Preparations are on schedule for the replacement of the eastern half of the bridge, said Becky Hixson, of the state Department of Transportation.
“Everything is right on track,” Hixson, bridge project business and communications manager, said last week.
The bridge will be closed for six weeks beginning May 1 for the work. In 2005, the east and west approach spans were replaced. The May-June work will replace the east and west transition truss spans.
Final east-half configuration will provide eight-foot continuous shoulders across the entire length of the bridge to allow for breakdowns, bridge maintenance and allow bicyclists and pedestrians safer passage.
The bridge’s overall length is 7,869 feet and the depth of water below the floating pontoons ranges from 80 to 340 feet.
It handles between 15,000 and 20,000 vehicles a day.
Twenty 29-foot-tall concrete anchors were set during 2007 to hold the new bridge pontoons in place using steel cables securing the anchors to the pontoons.
Restored pontoons ready
The restored and recycled three-pontoon section state officials call R, S and T is moored in Port Gamble Bay and the final four-pontoon link known as U, V, W and X should be towed in to the bay Tuesday from Seattle, weather allowing, Hixson said.
Barges moored at the east end of the bridge already can be seen preparing the bridge for new trusses, which are on barges in Port Gamble Bay.
The state has budgeted $10 million for temporary infrastructure and road improvements, and Hixson said the bridge construction-period transportation facilities should make for seamless transportation if travelers plan ahead.
Jefferson Transit officials have hired 23 additional temporary staff and found 14 buses from several counties and cities to boost transit service to and from the Fred Hill Materials and the South Point water shuttle dock.
On the Kitsap side of the water, the state has hired Seattle-based Starline Luxury Coaches to shuttle riders between the Lofall dock and Port Gamble park and ride.
No private passenger vehicles will be allowed beyond the park and ride facilities, DOT officials said, and State Patrol troopers will enforce that rule, Strauch said.
Only local traffic will be allowed to use South Point Road, which also leads to residences on Thorndyke Road south.
Jefferson Transit will pick up bicyclers at the Olympic Peninsula Gateway Visitor Information Center on Beaver Valley Road near state Highway 104.
Hixson explained that it was too dangerous for cyclists to ride up the Shine Pit park and ride because the road is narrow, winding and dark at night.
Passengers will be allowed to bring only those items that can fit on their laps or under their bus seats. Only service animals and animals in pet carriers will be allowed on buses and the water shuttle. All other pets are prohibited.
Jefferson Transit General Manager Dave Turissini has recommended that those with large amounts of luggage en route to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport take Port Angeles-based Olympic Bus Lines, which will bypass the bridge work.
“The really important thing is to get ready now, ahead of time, and figuring all of your options,” Hixson said.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.
