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. In-person open houses were held on Monday, June 2 in Carbonado and Wednesday, June 11 in Wilkeson. An online open house was held from May 28 through June 17. The study team is currently going through the feedback collected during these events.
Purpose
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.
