Written by From: Kelley Balcomb-Bartok <kbalcombBartok@Rentonwa.gov> [ Save Address ]
To: Randy Corman
Subject: Williams Avenue Bridge CLOSED
Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 17:13:50 -0800
Due to a large amount of debris collecting under the Williams Avenue Bridge, the City of Renton has decided to close the bridge for the night (January 8, 2009), and re-open the bridge in the morning after the debris is safely removed.
For current information check our Critical Emergency Information page at:
http://www.rentonwa.gov/emergencies/default.aspx?id=13028
When will it open?
Went by the bridge on 1/9/09 at about 3:30 PM. I guess that means that it was damaged worse then they thought or they couldn’t get to the debris to clear and investigate?
Dave
I just got back from walking along the river, taking some pictures and some video. Williams Ave probably won’t open any time soon from the looks of it. The official looking guy wearing the safety vest said that there was some habitat restoration hardware (chain, etc) that is in the mess, causing it to be all tangled together. The mass of wood is wedged in there quite nicely.
If you’re interested, I can email some pictures. There’s a LOT of water out there… while the Cedar is receding, it’s only dropped around 1 foot so far.
That is what I figured it was. Kinda hard to see much when you are driving by and I think it will be a least a week before I try riding my bike near the river.
Dave
Large Woody Debris
You’re pretty much right. The “log jam” is actually a bunch of logs chained together that were placed up-river for a fish habitat. It is supposed to be able to survive any flood . . . . but it somehow broke loose. It’s stuck under the Williams bridge and is grabbing more and more junk as stuff comes down the river.
The City was ready to use rescue divers to chain to the debris and then use heavy equipment to yank it out this morning but changed their minds as it became apparent that the bridge was unstable under the weight of the water.
I’ve been told that the County will be participating in paying for clearing this jam. But having been by there this morning and evening, I’d be surprised if there is no long-term damage to the bridge. But, as they say, things were built better back then.
Damage to the Williams bridge is an inconvenience. Damage to the Logan bridge would be a real pain in the arse.
Re: Large Woody Debris
Damage to the Williams bridge is an inconvenience. Damage to the Logan bridge would be a real pain in the arse.
I have to agree with that one. While I use Williams daily I do see the traffic difference and route difference. If Williams is damage at least the bright side is that it could have saved Logan.
Dave