
Upper Tokul Creek Bridge No. 271B Replacement Project
Latest updates
April 1, 2021
King County has begun the SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) process to identify and analyze the environmental impacts associated with the Upper Tokul Creek Bridge Replacement Project. View the SEPA documents. The SEPA public comment period opens on April 15, 2021 and closes on April 29, 2021. You can submit your comments to bbender@kingcounty.gov . Please call 206-263-1189 if you would like to request the SEPA documents in a different format, or if you need an accommodation to submit your comments.
Project overview
The 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 Creek Road SE crosses Tokul Creek.
While safe for travel, the 54-year-old bridge is aging and requires frequent repairs. In addition, the current bridge is too narrow and has weight limit restrictions. This project will replace the deteriorated bridge with one that will serve the community’s needs long term.
Project goals
- Design a bridge that meets current standards and minimizes impact to neighboring property and the natural environment.
- Maintain convenient access to community members.
- Properly handle and dispose of contaminated materials.
- Select the new bridge alternative by utilizing various evaluation criteria, which includes community feedback.
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.
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.
On this page
Public outreach materials
• Preferred Alternative C flyer PDF 522KB• Project fact sheet November 2019 PDF 2MB
Contact us
Broch Bender, Communications ManagerDesk 206-263-1189
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Preferred design alternative
OVERVIEW
Removes existing bridge and places the new bridge in its place to maintain existing roadway alignment. One-lane traffic will be maintained during construction by using a temporary detour bridge. Construction lasts approximately 12 months.
ADVANTAGES
- Maintains existing bridge/roadway alignment and improves road grades to meet current King County Standards
- Maintains two-lane traffic on existing bridge during construction of temporary bridge
- No weight restrictions on temporary bridge
- Requires least property acquisition and no permanent right-of-way acquisitions
- Has shortest construction duration and minimal vegetation removal and regrading work on adjacent property
- Requires four construction stages to complete the project
DISADVANTAGES
- Requires public use of temporary bridge with one lane access during new bridge construction
- Requires removal of approximately 30 trees, which will be replanted as part of restoration work
- Requires temporary construction easement to construct the temporary bridge
- Has highest cost of the three alternatives
Frequently-asked questions
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.
Contact us
Email: Maint.roads@kingcounty.gov
24/7 Road Helpline: 206-477-8100 or 1-800-527-6237
TTY Relay: 711
Twitter: @KCRoads