Fox Island Bridge Replacement Environmental Support

Pierce County will select a qualified consultant who demonstrates expertise in environmental review, technical analysis, and State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) compliance to assist in preparation of a draft and final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and associated documentation.

The Fox Island Bridge No. 26211-A was built in 1954 and crosses over Hale Passage near the north end of Fox Island. The structure caries Fox Island Bridge Road, providing a connection between Warren Drive, on the main land end, to Island Boulevard, on the Fox Island end. The existing bridge is 1,950 feet in length and is supported by concrete piles and cast-in-place concrete piers and spread footings. The superstructure consists of cast-in-place concrete “T” beams and steel beam drop spans. The proposed new roadway will likely include 2 traffic lanes as well as bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

In 2013 Pierce County Planning and Public Works began looking at possible alternatives to address the existing bridge condition of the Fox Island Bridge. A preliminary investigation study was completed, and that study concluded that the County had two primary alternatives: replacement of the bridge or perform a bridge rehabilitation/retrofit. Two reports were generated form this work, “Technical Memorandum, Fox Island Bridge, Rehabilitation / Seismic Retrofit” and “Technical Memorandum, Fox Island Bridge, Replacement (Conceptual)”. The final report recommended pursuing the bridge replacement option.

The primary intent of the original study was to determine if the County should pursue rehabilitation/retrofit or total bridge replacement. As such, the preliminary study conducted a high-level investigation and abbreviated research and outreach. The Final Type, Size, and Location ( TS&L) study is intended to expand on and finalize the work in the preliminary studies to create a more traditional and final bridge TS&L study.