The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has decided to permanently closed the State Route 165 Carbon River Fairfax Bridge to all vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic, heavily limiting access to parts of Mount Rainier National Park.
The 103-year-old bridge was first closed on Monday, April 14, as a safety precaution following recent inspections that showed new deterioration of steel supports. A follow-up inspection revealed that the bridge support column was bent in two directions and starting to buckle, forcing the WSDOT to close the bridge permanently.
When open, the Carbon River Fairfax Bridge located three miles south of Carbonado in Pierce County provides access Mount Rainier National Park’s Mowich Lake Entrance and Carbon River Ranger Station. With no alternate routes, the areas will remain closed to the public.
“It’s very apparent from the visual changes in the columns that the bridge is no longer safe to use… Closing the bridge was our last option. We fully understand the magnitude of this decision for everyone who relies on this bridge.” – Olympic Region Administrator Steve Roark.
A planning study has been initiated to evaluate options, including a bridge replacement in the same vicinity or re-routing SR 165 to the east or west of Carbon River Canyon. For the time being, a 9-mile emergency access detour provides access for first responders and local property owners south of the bridge but is not open to the public.
