Four months after work began, Tacoma city engineers say the $57 million renovation of the Murray Morgan Bridge is on budget and that the span is on schedule to reopen to pedestrian and vehicle traffic in December 2012.
And for those who wonder why the bridge across the Foss Waterway has been wrapped in white plastic since May, it’s for safety reasons.
The old paint has lead in it, said Tom Rutherford, public works engineer for the city.
“What you’re seeing is a containment system,” Rutherford said. “We’re trying to remove all the existing paint to the metal.”
Karrie Spitzer, a spokeswoman for the city, said the protective shroud will keep lead particles from fouling the environment or harming human health through airborne dust.
The historic bridge is being painted black, which is believed to have been the original color when it first opened 98 years ago. It was later repainted aluminum/silver.
Rutherford said laborers this week are installing a work platform underneath the bridge, along with metal plates that hold the beams together.
The renovation is being paid for with state money originally set aside to demolish and replace the bridge, plus extra funds won by local legislators and a loan from the state.
The state cited safety concerns in 2007 when it closed the span once known as the 11th Street Bridge, which connects downtown with the Tideflats. A local save-the-bridge campaign ensued, leading Tacoma to reclaim ownership in 2009.
Rutherford said the city is trying to make sure people are informed on the progress of bridge rehabilitation.
He said a public meeting will be held next month to provide an update on the schedule and to outline what work is planned for the coming months.
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