Peter Western Bridge Reopens in Burien

Rebuilt Bridge Opens Important Commuter Connection in Boulevard Park Neighborhood
Posted on 12/16/2020
Bridge.

The Peter Western Bridge at the 2200 block of S 116th Street (between Military Rd and 24th Ave S) will open to vehicle and pedestrian traffic on December 21, 2020 at noon.

The new bridge replaces an older bridge, first opened in 1950, that had to be closed because of severe erosion occurring below the bridge after several weeks of wet weather in 2017. The erosion had completely undermined two bridge columns and a third column was only partially supported.

Burien was awarded emergency funding to demolish and remove the existing structure, construct a replacement bridge, repair damaged stormwater facilities in the ravine, and restore the eroded streambed.

The project occurred in two phases. During Phase 1, the damaged bridge was demolished and removed and stormwater facilities and the streambed underneath the bridge were temporarily stabilized. During Phase 2, the permanent replacement bridge was installed, permanent stormwater facilities were repaired, and the streambed and adjoining ravine side slopes were restored.

“Opening the bridge is a positive end to what’s been a challenging year,” says Brian J. Wilson, Burien City Manager.

Hamilton Construction Company was selected through a competitive bid process to construct the bridge. The total cost of the bridge demolition, construction, design, permits, and other associated costs was approximately $11 million.

“We want to thank the neighbors who have borne the impacts of this project for the past three years and the daily commuters who have had to use an alternate route. We are thrilled to finally be opening the bridge and restoring traffic patterns to their original state,” says Maiya Andrews, Burien Public Works Director. “We also appreciate the financial support provided by the state legislature and the Federal Highway Administration.”    

It’s estimated that over 10,000 vehicles will travel across the bridge daily.

“The bridge is a vital connector between north Burien and other commuter highways,” says Jimmy Matta, Burien Mayor. “The re-opening of Peter Western Bridge will keep Burien moving.”

A virtual celebration will be held in February 2021 to celebrate the opening of the bridge. The City will announce more specific plans for the celebration in January.