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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2013
Vol. CXXIV, No. 15
OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE CITY OF TACOMA Devoted to the Courts, Real Estate, Finance, Industrial Activities, and Publication of Legal Notices
Published Since 1890
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$9M rehab could mean long-term closure for Tacoma Ave South Bridge
Posted online Tues., Jan. 22 Article By Todd Matthews, Editor Image Courtesy City of Tacoma A $9 million rehabilitation project scheduled to begin later this year could close the Tacoma Avenue South Bridge for 12 months, according to City of Tacoma officials. The 80-year-old bridge's beams, sidewalks, guard rails and deck have deteriorated so severely, according to city staff, that lanes have been closed and weight restrictions have been implemented. The bridge is a vital link between downtown Tacoma, the Lincoln International Business District and beyond. Two years ago, the city was awarded a $7.2 million federal grant to help pay for the project. The city is contributing approximately $1.8 million toward the project. In August, the city awarded a $1.2 million contract to Bellevue, Wash.-based TranTech Engineering to complete the bridge design. Tacoma City Council's environment and public works committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday to discuss staff recommendations for moving forward on the project. A key recommendation calls for completely closing the bridge to vehicles, instead of implementing phased closures, during construction. "Staff is also recommending full closure of the bridge during the construction phase of this project," wrote Tacoma Public Works Director Dick McKinley in a Jan. 23 memo. "Phased closure would cost $1 million in construction funds that is included in the $9 million budget and require an additional six months to construct. Full closure will have the largest impact to the surrounding community. To mitigate this impact, we
are working on a detour route that will promote the use of Delin Street / South G Street. We are also working on a plan to maintain a pedestrian / bicycle path across the bridge during construction." Another recommendation calls for installing a concrete guard rail instead of a steel guard rail. "Staff has received strong support via e-mail from the community . . . focused on the visual aspect of a concrete guard rail and how it provides a historic connection with the bridge," added McKinley. "The steel guard rail would cost approximately 10 percent less than the concrete rail and would result in a savings of about $20,000. This is a small savings when compared with the total project cost of $9 million. The concrete guard rail does impart a larger seismic load to the bridge during an earthquake. The increased seismic force due to the concrete guardrail does not require additional work. Both designs are within the parameters of standard bridge construction." City staff also recommend the final bridge deck configuration include two lanes for vehicles, a center turn lane, two lanes for bicyclists and two sidewalks for pedestrians. The bridge design is approximately 20 percent complete. Construction is expected to begin this fall and last approximately one year. Tacoma City Council's environment and public works committee is scheduled to discuss the staff recommendations for the bridge during a public meeting on Weds., Jan. 23 at 3 p.m. at Tacoma Municipal Building North, located at 733 Market Street, Conference Room 16.More information is available online at http://cms.cityoftacoma.org/cityclerk/Files/CouncilCommittees/ Agendas/2013/EPWAgenda/EPW_20130123.pdf.
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New Secretary of State wants to see Heritage Center completed Posted online Tues., Jan. 22 Newly elected Secretary of State Kim Wyman announced Friday she would like to relaunch a plan to build the Heritage Center on the Capitol Campus in Olympia. When completed, the $142 million center would house the State Archives, State Library, historical exhibits, an educational center and other features. The Heritage Center was approved by the Legislature in 2007, but an economic downturn and state budget woes forced the project to be suspended before groundbreaking could begin. Wyman said Friday the improving economy and budget situation are signs that now is the time for the Heritage Center project to resume. "We need to move forward with the Heritage Center and build it on the Capitol Campus so visitors of all ages can learn more about the history and heritage of our great state," said Wyman. "It would be the one place on campus that actually highlights Washington's past. Legislators approved it before because they knew it was a good idea, and it's still a good idea that needs to happen." Former Secretary of State Sam Reed, who retired when his third term ended this month, strongly supported the plan. Governor Gregoire's final operating budget proposal supports many requests by the Office of Secretary of State. The Gregoire budget, however, would reduce General Fund support for the State Library by 6.7 percent, according to Wyman. The State Library is a division of the Office of Secretary of State. Remaining state support would be provided permanently by the Heritage Account, which Wyman believes should be retained for its intended purpose of construction of the Heritage Center.