FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Date:
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January
25, 2010
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Contact:
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Douglas E. Bear, Public Communications Manager
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Phone:
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360-337-4598
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No:
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2010-08
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Restrictions remain on Seabeck Highway
(Port Orchard) –
Temporary restrictions remain in effect on Seabeck
Highway NW at the Big Beef bridge, between NW Pioneer Road and Manley
Road NW. Restrictions were placed Friday after crews discovered scouring
and erosion at the abutment on the west side of the bridge. “It appears
that storm flows and tidal action created scouring and erosion at and
behind the abutment,” said Jon Brand, County Engineer. “Continued
erosion there threatens the abutment and can affect the concrete
approach slab to the bridge,” said Brand. The speed limit there has been
reduced to 25 MPH and a 10,000 pound weight limit is in effect.
County engineers and construction crews surveyed the site this morning
and are developing alternatives to repair the damage. An additional
on-site meeting with geotechnical and structural engineers is scheduled
for Monday afternoon. The County’s Board of Commissioners is expected to
approve an emergency resolution at their regular meeting tonight to
expedite work on the project. “The temporary restrictions remain in
effect until repair work begins. To repair the damage the bridge will
need to be closed under most alternatives we are considering” said
Brand. Early estimates indicate the repair work will take about two
weeks to complete, once a contract is awarded.
The restrictions keeps large trucks and school busses from using the
bridge. Central Kitsap School District is rerouting bus traffic and is
keeping students and families informed of route changes. Central Kitsap
Fire & Rescue spokesperson Theresa MacLennan advised residents to
consider the temporary road restrictions if emergency services are
needed. “If residents are feeling ill and in need of medical assistance,
do not hesitate to call immediately,” she said. “Firefighters and
medical personnel are going to need additional time to reach people
affected by these restrictions. The same is true of a fire emergency.
Exit the home as soon as the smoke alarms sound. Don't delay in making
your 9-1-1 call," said MacLennan.
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Related information:
Updates are posted to the county website and the Road Report.
County website
The Road Report
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