What’s next for major bridge closed near Mount Rainier? WSDOT has an update
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- WSDOT begins 24-month design and NEPA review using $7M from 2025–27 budget
- Two options move to design: build a new bridge north or close that part of SR 165
- Geotechnical work means landowner ROW permits and seasonal work windows for species
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) says it will take about two years to complete the next step in addressing the closure of the state Route 165 Carbon River Fairfax Bridge.
On Jan. 8, WSDOT posted a new blog on their website providing an update on a potential replacement for the bridge.
“A couple things are occurring to get things rolling. We need geotechnical (soil and rock) information about the area,” WSDOT wrote in the post. “To access this location, we have to obtain right-of-way permits from landowners. We also must obtain environmental clearances before the work occurs.”
The 104-year-old, single-lane bridge permanently closed on April 22, 2025 due to safety risks. The bridge was the only way for the public to access key areas of Mount Rainier National Park from state Route 165, including Mowich Lake, Tolmie Peak and Spray Park. The closure significantly impacted the surrounding area; businesses in nearby towns that relied on the traffic to Mount Rainier are struggling to stay afloat while residents who live on the other side of the bridge are grappling with isolation.
Shortly after the closure, WSDOT wrapped up a $1.5 million planning study where they considered seven options for the future. In August, they narrowed the options down to two:
- Building a bridge replacement north of the bridge’s existing location.
- Tearing down the existing bridge and not building a new one.
Where do things stand with the bridge now?
In its latest update in the Jan. 8 blog post, WSDOT said they are moving the two options from the planning study into the design and environmental review phase. They are using $7 million from preservation funding in the state’s 2025-2027 biennium transportation budget to fund the design and environmental work.
WSDOT estimates that this phase will take roughly 24 months.
First, WSDOT needs to collect geotechnical information about the area to see if it is feasible to build a new bridge there – and that requires collecting right-of-way permits from landowners and environmental clearances.
“The Carbon River Canyon is heavily forested, and the hillsides are steep. It’s not easy or cheap to place a drill rig in this area to take coring samples to see if the ground is strong enough to place a bridge foundation,” the post said. “That’s the kind of data our survey crews need to gather to help determine the type, size and location of a new bridge.”
They estimate it will take “six to 12 months” to collect this information, but the timeline is complicated by the fact that there are endangered species in the area.
“This timeline is dependent on securing environmental permits to remove some trees in this scenic canyon area for drilling. Our environmental team has identified the location as habitat for Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet,” the post said. “There are only certain times of the year we can remove trees to avoid nesting for both species. This early engineering work is used to start environmental review for the project.”
Once WSDOT collects information on environmental impacts, they have to go through a federal process through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the post said. They will pass the information along to several agencies, including:
- The Federal Highway Administration
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife
- National Marine Fisheries Service
- Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
- Local tribes
Each of these organizations will have a window to review and comment on the work, “ranging from 30 to 135 days or more,” the post said.
“Altogether, WSDOT is planning for a 24-month NEPA evaluation and review timeline,” the post said.
The National Historic Preservation Act also comes into play, because the bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the post said.
“The law established a national policy for the protection of important historic buildings and archaeological sites and the responsibilities for federal and state governments to preserve our nation’s heritage,” the post said.
What would the two options entail?
WSDOT’s final two options include building a new bridge north of the existing location – or removing the current bridge and electing not to build a new replacement at all, shutting down that part of state Route 165 altogether.
In the August planning study, WSDOT said building a new bridge would take about six years and cost $160 million. There would be three phases:
- Phase 1: geotechnical investigations and survey; National Environmental Policy Act documentation; figuring out the new bridge’s type, size and location; and removing the existing bridge.
- Phase 2: Designing, engineering and permitting for the new bridge
- Phase 3: Construction
In the blog post on Jan. 8, WSDOT said the six-year timeline will most likely change.
“The planning study outlined a preliminary six-year timeline to get a new bridge built,” the post said. “As we do more engineering, this timeframe will likely be revised.”
WSDOT also said they are looking into the second option, which would tear down the existing bridge and not build a replacement. The planning study said this option would cost $70 million to $80 million, and take about three years.
“The option of keeping SR 165 closed is also being evaluated,” WSDOT said in its Jan. 8 blog post. “By keeping SR 165 closed, we may need to compensate the lost access for those who currently have access to SR 165 south of the bridge, if reasonable alternative access is not otherwise provided.”
The August planning study previously said it would cost about $46.6 million to compensate private landowners who would lose access to their property.
In its Jan. 8 post, WSDOT said they would not remove the existing bridge any time soon.
“We’ve read a resolution recently passed by the Town of Wilkeson asking WSDOT not to remove the bridge,” WSDOT wrote. “The bridge will not be removed without environmental review and until the NEPA process is complete.”
The state Route 165 bypass route
After closing the bridge, WSDOT set up a 9-mile detour road for law enforcement and local property owners who live on the other side of the bridge. The News Tribune traveled along the winding dirt road when visiting residents in June 2025; the driver had to step out of the car twice to lock and unlock two logging gates on the way.
In the Jan. 8 blog post, WSDOT said they are going to add automatic gates to the road soon.
“We recently signed an agreement with the Department of Commerce to help cover funding for automatic gates on the bypass route,” the post said. “The gate hardware is being ordered and will be installed in the coming months. We also recently initiated a new lock and key system to the gates on the bypass route to address security issues.”
WSDOT first created the alternative route in late summer 2024, after adding severe weight restrictions to the bridge – less than a year before closing it altogether. The route is not open to the public because it spans across private land owned by five property owners, including Pierce County Parks and Recreation and the White River School District.
“We’ve heard from people who want to open the bypass road, but that’s not possible. The route is privately owned,” the Jan. 8 post said. “Under the terms of the agreement we have with the owners, we can’t open it to the public.”
Town hall this month
WSDOT says the public will have several opportunities to give input during the design and environmental review phase.
In a Jan. 8 Facebook post, Mayor Jayme Peloli said the Town of Wilkeson is hosting a town hall later this month.
“WSDOT representatives will be present to walk through the study, discuss next steps, and answer questions from residents, business owners, and stakeholders,” Peloli wrote.
The town hall will take place on Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. at Wilkeson Elementary School, which is located at 640 Railroad Ave.
“This is an important moment for our community,” Peloli wrote. “I encourage everyone to review the study and attend the town hall to stay informed and engaged.”
