Planning study news
A study of the State Route 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge over the Carbon River Canyon is underway. The bridge is now closed due to advanced deterioration in the steel supporting members of the bridge. This study will explore options to address the bridge condition. WSDOT will hold two in-person open houses in June. See Purpose section for dates, times and details.
Purpose
SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge Planning Study in-person open houses
WSDOT will hold two in-person open houses where community members can learn more about the planning study and the options for the future of SR 165 across the Carbon River Valley.
- 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 2, at Carbonado School, 301 O'Ferrell Drive, Carbonado WA 98323
- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 11 at Wilkeson Elementary School, 640 Railroad Avenue, Wilkeson, WA 98396
There will be no formal presentation. Attendees are welcome to drop by anytime during the events. Project team members will be available to answer questions about the study and the options presented. The same information will be presented at both events, so participants can choose the one that best meets their schedules.
WSDOT will also host an online open house that will contain the same information on its Engage page. The online open house will begin Wednesday, May 28.
Background
On Tuesday, April 22, WSDOT permanently closed the SR 165 Carbon River Fairfax Bridge to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Preliminary findings from recent inspections of the bridge revealed new deterioration of steel supports of the more than century-old span. The closure has created challenges for anyone who used the bridge. The data driven study will develop recommendations to address the current bridge condition. During the study, WSDOT will work with local community representatives and government leaders.
For over a century, the bridge has provided access across the Carbon River Canyon for residents, businesses and visitors. This includes nearby communities of Carbonado, Wilkeson and other east Pierce County communities via SR 410 and SR 162.
The bridge provided access to Mount Rainier National Park campgrounds, hiking trails and the 93-mile-long Wonderland Trail. The bridge also provided access to other recreational activities outside the national park. SR 165, which crosses the bridge, is the only state highway leading to this area.
