Construction delayed for Columbia River Bridge project | News

Commuters along the Columbia River Bridge have a few more weeks before a construction detour is set in place. The Department of Transportation expected to start the $1.1 million repaving project on July 23, but now the start date is slated for August 13.

Construction administrator, Mike Gribner, says they delayed because they wanted to finish up their permitting before setting up the 68-mile detour.

“We could have initiated the detour, but we don’t want to put it in place until we know for sure we’re ready to start,” Gribner said. “Anytime you’re working over water, there’s a lot of consideration.

When construction does start, commuters can expect some overnight closures of the bridge spanning up to 20 hours. Crews will work on it from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. A 68-mile detour will be in place via State Route 25 to Northport and then back to US 395 through the Northport/Flat Creek Road. The signal will direct traffic across one lane at a time with about 10 minute delays.

A temporary traffic signal will direct traffic 24 hours a day while crews repave the bridge with concrete.