WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) secured $1,270,000 as part of the INVEST in America Act for the City of Tukwila’s 42nd Ave S Bridge Replacement Project.
“The City of Tukwila appreciates Congressman Smith’s understanding of how critical the replacement of the 42nd Avenue Bridge is for Tukwila and surrounding communities,” said City of Tukwila Mayor Allan Ekberg. “This vital piece of infrastructure serves not only the Allentown neighborhood and as a key east-west crossing over the Duwamish river, but is also the current route into the BNSF intermodal yard, which supports freight going in and out of the Port of Seattle. We are hopeful that the House infrastructure bill is ultimately successful and, with this member-directed funding from Congressman Smith, the City will continue toward 100% design of the new bridge with the goal of beginning construction in 2024.”
This project funding would help support the final design of the replacement of the existing 42nd Ave S steel truss bridge in Tukwila, WA. If the bridge were to fail, 10,300 vehicles per day (based on 2018 Traffic Counts) would be impacted, including 3,000 trucks that would no longer be able to access the BNSF intermodal rail yard as it is the preferred and safest access for trucks. The 42nd Ave South Bridge is a critical link in the freight network on a local and regional scale as goods and products are shipped and moved cross country to freight hubs. These rail networks carry international and domestic cargo to inland markets, serve the Port of Seattle to the north and the Port of Tacoma to the south. Restricted access or failure of the bridge would be a major detriment to freight movement and have significant economic impacts on the region.
The 42nd Ave South Bridge Replacement Project would improve equity in the region by offering safe access for pedestrians to reach public transportation, the Tukwila Community Center, trails, and local businesses. The bridge also serves pedestrians and cyclists as the southern connection of the Green River trail and provides access to the Tukwila Community Center, a local hub for classes and cultural events, and the Allentown neighborhood. It is also the main route for vehicles and pedestrians from Allentown to reach the Tukwila Park and Ride, which is the closest public transportation option.
Click here for more information about member-designated transportation and infrastructure projects.
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