PUGET ISLAND, WA — After the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) spent more than a year of painting and construction to install a new deck on the State Route 409 Puget Island Bridge, the work is nearing completion, over a year ahead of schedule.

The bridge is a vital link for travelers in the area, as it provides the only way for people driving, walking or biking to travel between Puget Island and Cathlamet in Wahkiakum County. Construction work on the narrow structure required an around-the-clock single lane closure, along with 61 overnight bridge closures.

"While there's no good time to close a bridge, input from the community helped determine when full closure of the bridge would occur," said Project Engineer Joanna Lowery. "We're pleased to complete this work well ahead of schedule and are grateful for the partnership and patience of the community throughout the project."

One lane of the bridge was recently open to alternating traffic while crews made final bridge joint improvements. The new coat of paint and bridge deck on the 80-year-old span will help preserve the bridge's structural integrity, restoring the transportation connection and prolonging the life of the bridge.

Work on this $17-million project began in 2018. The completion of this work means crews will not need to come back to paint the structure for many years to come.