Bridge in final stages of completion

Workers are currently constructing rebar forms for the concrete traffic barriers on the bridge. Once the forms are in place, a machine will pour and shape concrete around the rebar. PHOTO COURTESY WSDOT In response to readers’ requests, the NEWS will run weekly updates on the General Mark Clark Bridge project on Camano Island and the SR532 corridor project in Stanwood.

Crews have finished the west approach wall to the new Mark Clark Bridge and poured the first layer of asphalt for the new road. Two more layers will be added before the road is opened to traffic.

By the end of the week, rebar for the traffic barriers should be in place and crews will begin forming the walls, using a machine that simultaneously pours and molds the concrete in shape around the rebar. The barrier should be completed the first week in August, and will cure for at least 10 days, right up to the grand opening of the bridge.

Dave Chesson, spokesman for Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), said, “Our plan is to have the bridge open to traffic around the middle of August.”

However, he continued, motorists should prepare for some “unusual lane configurations” before the new bridge opens.

Because the west approach road to the new bridge isn’t at the same level as the existing road, Chesson said, “crews will have several busy nights trying to shift, level and pave the road.”

In downtown Stanwood last week, crews paved and striped SR 532 between 88th and 98th Avenues; eventually, new asphalt will stretch from 72nd Avenue NW, near the high school, to the new bridge.

Crews also wrapped up the installation of 700 feet of new waterline last week, and installed catch basins and drainage pipe.

This week, they’re working to do the same between Camano Drive and 104th Avenue NW. They’re also repairing and readying the road for new pavement.

Motorists should expect continued nighttime lane closures.

By the end of the month, Chesson said, crews will hopefully have wrapped up the drainage work. Then, they’ll move on to installing lighting and fiber optics through the downtown area. This work will require some parking restrictions during the day.

Visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ Northwest/Snohomish/Construction for specific lane closure information, or www.wsdot.wa.gov/projects/ sr532 for general project information.

Staff Reporter Jeremiah O’Hagan: 629-8066 ext. 125 or ohagan@scnews.com.