Judd Creek Bridge No. 3184 repair project
Status update
Monday, April 26, 2021
Judd Creek Bridge is now OPEN! Two days early!
Overview
Judd Creek Bridge was built in 1951 to carry Vashon Highway SW traffic over the creek that leads to Quartermaster Harbor, just south of SW Quartermaster Drive. Growing traffic volumes and heavier vehicles have severely strained a portion of this 70-year-old bridge.
During the 21-day closure, contractor crews replaced:
- deteriorating concrete that supported the bridge
- worn-out bearings under the bridge
- an expansion joint that allows the bridge to bend and flex with weather changes and heavy truck traffic.
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Broch Bender, Roads Communications Manager
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Frequently asked questions
The north end of the bridge includes an expansion joint, a full-width concrete beam under the bridge, and four sets of bearings which allow the bridge to move with temperature changes.
King County inspectors routinely inspect all roadway bridges, including this one, per federal requirements. While the bridge on the whole is in very good condition, this north section of the bridge does require repair due to the deterioration of the concrete beam, bearings and expansion joint. The deterioration is partially due to the age of the bridge, combined with the growing traffic volumes and heavy truck traffic.
King County inspectors routinely inspect all roadway bridges, including this one, per federal requirements. While the bridge on the whole is in very good condition, this north section of the bridge does require repair due to the deterioration of the concrete beam, bearings and expansion joint. The deterioration is partially due to the age of the bridge, combined with the growing traffic volumes and heavy truck traffic.
This bridge is located just west of Quartermaster Harbor on Vashon Island. Vashon Highway SW and SW Quartermaster Drive is the intersection to the north. Vashon Highway SW and SW 228th Street is the intersection to the south.
This section of Vashon Highway carries 4,800 (2-3% trucks) vehicles per day and connects Burton to the ferry terminal on the north end of the island. It also carries Metro Route 118 and several school buses.
The estimated construction budget for this project is $200,000.
The project began on Monday, April 5, 2021 and was complete Monday, April 26, two days ahead of schedule.
Judd Creek runs into Quartermaster Harbor. This 1951 bridge, built by famous bridge engineer Homer Hadley, carries nearly 4,800 vehicle trips each day over Judd Creek.
This photo from 1994 shows King County engineers have been tracking and fixing this section of the bridge for decades.
The expansion joint, the concrete ledge beam, and bearings keep the bridge and road working together. When the support structure weakens, it shifts the entire bridge including the curb and walkway.
The concrete beam supports the expansion joint, the bearings allow the two structures to move independently without changing the surface of the road.
This is the steel expansion joint at the north end of the bridge. It runs the full width of the bridge.
During the closure, contractor crews set the bridge on stabilizing jacks as they replaced the structural supports. The bridge was fully closed because these jacks cannot safely support high volumes of moving traffic.
Before and after! The bridge looks nearly the same, but drivers can feel more secure knowing that several structural safety supports were replaced. The bridge will be a good shape for years to come.
Contact us
Email: Maint.roads@kingcounty.gov
24/7 Road Helpline: 206-477-8100 or 1-800-527-6237
TTY Relay: 711
Twitter: @KCRoads