New Bridge Opens Across Spiketon Creek Near Buckley

BUCKLEY, WA — After seven months of construction, a new 240-foot-long bridge across Spiketon Creek opened in East Pierce County Wednesday afternoon. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, the bridge is one of the largest single-span, multi-lane temporary bridges ever built. The structure is 32-feet wide and allows for two lanes of traffic with no load restrictions. WSDOT estimates 5,600 vehicles use the bridge daily.

The original, 83-year-old bridge closed in August 2018 after inspectors discovered almost 4 inches of pier settlement. WSDOT said its temporary replacement was assembled in sections, piece by piece, like a massive LEGO project. It was initially slated to open in late November, but due to the bridge's size and some unfavorable weather, work took a little longer than anticipated.

Engineers will continue working on plans to construct a permanent bridge, with a projected start date of January 2024.