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  2. Upper Tokul Creek Bridge No. 271B Replacement Project

Upper Tokul Creek Bridge No. 271B Replacement Project

Photo: Upper Tokul Creek Bridge.
Upper Tokul Creek Bridge No. 271B over Tokul Creek, less than two miles north of Snoqualmie Falls.

Latest updates

September 9, 2021

Construction to replace the existing Upper Tokul Creek Bridge begins in early summer 2022 and will last approximately 10 months.

We will host an online public meeting in spring 2022 to share specific project details with community members, travelers, and visitors. A date has not yet been set. Contact bbender@kingcounty.gov or (206) 263-1189 to sign up for project email updates.

Project overview

Upper Tokul Creek Bridge No. 271B provides sole access to approximately 50 single-family homes and is also used by nearby forest and mining industry vehicles. The bridge is located less than two miles north of Snoqualmie Falls where Tokul Road SE crosses Tokul Creek.

While safe for travel, the 56-year-old bridge is aging and requires frequent repairs. In addition, the current bridge is too narrow and has weight limit restrictions.

We will replace the old bridge with a new bridge that is 28 feet wide, have two 10-foot-wide travel lanes and two 4-foot wide shoulders. The bridge will be built primarily out of steel-reinforced concrete and built to current seismic standards. The new bridge will have no weight restrictions.

The bridge will remain open during construction

All vehicles will be diverted to a temporary one lane bridge located next to the active construction area. The temporary bridge will have no weight restrictions.

On this page

Contact us

Broch Bender, Communications Manager
Desk 206-263-1189
Email

Map

Map: Upper Tokul Creek Bridge project location.
Enlarged view of map   JPG 263KB

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Project schedule

King County is in the process of selecting a preferred alternative for a replacement bridge, with construction projected to begin in 2022. The preliminary estimated total project cost is $5.9 million.

Schedule for the Upper Tokul Creek Bridge project.

Bridge access for residents and emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout construction. Construction activities will include demolition, concrete pouring, and crane lifts. After the new bridge is opened to traffic, crews will continue low impact restoration work including plantings and site clean-up.

Tokul Creek during construction

Construction stages

Construction stages.

Stage 1: Construct temporary bridge

Stage 2: Shift traffic to temporary bridge and demolish existing bridge

Stage 3: Construct new bridge

Stage 4: Shift traffic to new bridge and demolish temporary bridge

Bridge access for residents and emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout construction. Construction activities will include demolition, concrete pouring, and crane lifts. After the new bridge is opened to traffic, crews will remove the temporary bridge and continue with low impact restoration work including plantings and site clean-up.

Frequently-asked questions

The County has determined the 56-year-old bridge has outlived its useful life and is at risk of being closed due to age and condition. The aging timber support structure is decaying, which requires frequent and major repairs. These repairs are costly over time and inconvenience bridge users. In addition, the current bridge is too narrow, does not have shoulders and cannot accommodate very heavy trucks that are standard today.
Yes. The existing bridge is safe for use by vehicles that comply with posted weight and size restrictions. The Road Services Bridge Inspection team inspects the bridge every two years to ensure it is safe to use. If repairs are needed, the inspection team works with County maintenance staff to perform the necessary repairs.
The bridge provides sole access to approximately 50 single-family homes as well as industry vehicles accessing nearby forest service and mining areas. Approximately 417 cars and 40 large haul trucks use the bridge each day.
The bridge will be 28 feet wide, with two 10-foot-wide travel lanes and two 4-foot-wide shoulders. The new bridge is expected to be constructed primarily out of steel reinforced concrete and built to current seismic standards. Steel reinforced concrete is commonly used for bridges of this size and type, as it is economical and durable. The new bridge will have no weight restrictions.
Yes. A temporary bridge will carry traffic over Tokul Creek for about 11 months while the new bridge is built in the current location.
Access will be maintained throughout construction via a temporary bridge built just to the west of the existing bridge.
Construction is anticipated to last approximately 10 months. During this time, heavy equipment will be on site and construction activities will include demolition, concrete pouring, and crane lifts. After the new bridge is opened to traffic, crews will remove the temporary bridge and continue with low impact restoration work including plantings and site clean-up.
No. The new bridge will be designed to meet current bridge safety specifications and standards.
Yes, there are. The current weight limits for single unit vehicles are:

3 Axles or less – 23 tons
4 Axles – 21 tons
5 Axles – 22 tons
6 Axles – 23 tons
7 Axles – 24 tons

The Road Services Division regularly inspects the bridges it is responsible for maintaining. If new restrictions are required based on these inspections, a notice will be posted on the bridge. We will also note any new restrictions on the Bridge Weight Restrictions website.

There will be no weight restrictions on the temporary detour bridge.
The bridge replacement project will remove, transport, and dispose of the existing creosote-treated timber at an approved disposal facility where possible.
The preliminary estimated total project budget is $5.9 million. This includes engineering studies and design, environmental documentation and permitting, right-of-way acquisition if necessary, construction, inspection and project closeout. The project is funded through King County’s Capital Improvement Program.

Project documents

Road Services Division

201 S Jackson Street
M/S: KSC-LS-0313
Seattle, WA 98104

Contact us

Email: Maint.roads@kingcounty.gov

24/7 Road Helpline: 206-477-8100 or 1-800-527-6237

TTY Relay: 711

Twitter: @KCRoads