Bridge Closure Strands Towns Near Mt. Rainier

The Carbon River Bridge, a crucial link for Carbonado and Wilkeson residents, has been closed for nine months following the discovery of a compromised support column and extensive steel plate deterioration. This closure has left communities south of the span without river access, impacting daily life and local businesses. Washington Department of Transportation is now conducting a federally mandated environmental study, estimated to take two years, to assess options for a replacement bridge or alternative solutions.

Potential replacement plans include building a new bridge at the current site, rerouting the roadway, or decommissioning the highway entirely. The agency has received thousands of public comments, with permanent closure being the least favored option. The process also involves geological surveys and securing land permits, complicated by the bridge's remote, steep terrain. The $7 million set aside in the 2025-27 budget will fund initial design and environmental review stages.

Furthermore, the bridge's status as a historic structure listed on the National Register of Places requires adherence to the National Historic Preservation Act, adding another layer of complexity to the planning. Meanwhile, a temporary bypass route, utilizing private land with secured agreements and future automatic gates, provides some access but is not a permanent solution. The future of transportation for these communities remains uncertain.