Community Government Transportation

Residents discuss Fox Island bridge replacement study at open house

The Fox Island bridge replacement process officially began this year with awarding a type, size and location study to design and engineering firm HDR. Pierce County budgeted $1.3 million for 2024 work. The report won’t be completed until late 2025. The total estimated cost, according to the transportation improvement program, is $2.4 million.

HDR and county Planning and Public Works employees hosted an open house Thursday evening to explain the study and gather feedback, particularly about pedestrian and boat use. About 90 residents shuffled among manned stations at Artondale Elementary School, asking questions and offering comments.

For those who couldn’t attend, an online open house will run through Aug. 11. People can also fill out a bridge feature feedback form and boater survey on the same page.

Cost remains underlying concern

Though funding the bridge won’t be probed until after the study is completed, how much it will cost and who will pay remained the elephant in the gym Thursday. A preliminary analysis published in October 2019 set the estimated price tag at $168.1 million. The updated figure Thursday was pegged at $250 million.

An example of a shared bike and pedestrian path on one side of a bridge. Courtesy of Pierce County

To be eligible for federal funding, the bridge must provide bike and pedestrian access. The hosts displayed a couple options to spark thought on what features residents would prefer. One example showed a single-sided path shared by bicyclists and walkers separated from vehicles by a barrier. Another pictured separate bike lanes on each side of the road with a raised sidewalk on one side.

An example showing separate bike lanes on each side of the road with a raised sidewalk on one side. Courtesy of Pierce County

An island contingent that wants to keep a new bridge as rudimentary and thus inexpensive as possible renounce pedestrian enhancements. State Rep. Michelle Caldier, R-Gig Harbor, said in her 10 years representing the area, nobody has contacted her asking for a bike path or pedestrian walkway. Plus there is no infrastructure to hook into at either end of the bridge.

“I’m concerned that additional costs may mean construction of the bridge will be pushed out even further,” said Caldier, who attended with representative candidate Jim Henderson.

Resident Bob Cross echoed Caldier’s concerns, as did many on Caldier’s later Facebook post asking for input. Several others, however, wrote that they would welcome bike and pedestrian amenities.

Retrofit ruled out

A preliminary study completed in 2016 determined replacement of the 1954 bridge is the best solution. A rehabilitation or retrofit would not be cost-effective. A routine inspection in 2023 gave the bridge a “poor” rating. It doesn’t meet current design standards seismically, structurally or functionally. It was built using standards from more than 70 years ago. It has narrow lanes, no shoulders, no bike paths and its sidewalks are not compliant with the American with Disabilities Act. A retrofit is not feasible to bring it up to current standards and condition, according to the county.

The existing bridge has narrow lanes, no shoulders, no bike paths and its sidewalk is not compliant with the American With Disabilities Act. Courtesy of Pierce County

Still, a group remains that would prefer to retrofit the existing bridge instead of building a new one. Cross said the public wasn’t involved in the decision, which disappoints him.

Resident Susie Ruben and several others opined that the bridge, which carries about 6,000 vehicles per day, is a county road and all of Pierce should pay for its replacement just as Fox Islanders contribute to any other project. Doug Colman said the county didn’t take care of the 70-year-old bridge so residents should consider filing a class-action lawsuit.

Tolls a dirty word

If islanders do have to chip in on the cost, it shouldn’t be through tolls, several said.

“The community has said over and over and over again if we have any charge it should be under a road improvement district,” said Bruce Monell, a 38-year resident. “Tolls would kill property values in a big hurry.”

That’s also a priority of state representative candidate Josh Smith, who participated in the open house.

“I want to eliminate that possibility from being considered,” he said.

Monell also submitted a comment asking that a task group be formed of bridge users, elected officials and involved agencies such as the state Department of Natural Resources which manages Hales Pass below the bridge, similar to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge citizens advisory committee.

Island residents speak to county public works employees and consultants at one of several information tables. Photo by Ed Friedrich

The study will evaluate bridge type (structural systems and materials), bridge size (width, length and spans) and bridge location (alignment at both shorelines and across Hales Pass. It will be followed by final design, environmental permitting, securing funding, acquiring property and construction.

Construction way down the road

Pierce Environmental Resources Supervisor Brian Johnston, who staffed the “Next Steps” table, said once it’s determined what the community wants, a preferred alternative will be produced followed by an environmental impact statement.

“If we had the funding today, it would probably be a five-year process just to do the permitting,” he said.

Johnston heard comments about why replacing the bridge is taking so long, when it will happen and why it’s needed.

“It spanned the whole spectrum,” he said. “The No. 1 comment was we don’t want to pay for it.”

The Fox Island bridge. Photo by Ted Kenney Ted Kenney

Randy Boss proposes tunnel

Randy Boss passed out a proposal for a submerged floating tunnel that he claimed would cost just a fraction of the price of a new bridge — $30-40 million. It would be built mostly off-site of prefabricated concrete.

“Nobody’s going to build a $300 million bridge for 1,552 households,” he said of prospective funding.

The price could be split in thirds among the state, county and residents, which would cost property owners about $600 per year, he estimated.

The tunnels are common in Europe and Japan, he said, and the George Massey Tunnel has been carrying vehicles in Vancouver, B.C., since 1959.

Step in right direction

Resident Heidi Alessi Avak said the open house was a step in the right direction, providing islanders with information about the study and perspective about where the process stands.

“We can’t talk about funding until we know what we’re buying and building,” she said. “I think we’re more grounded in reality. Once we get the study, it’s time to talk about funding scenarios and what’s fair and equitable compared to what others pay to access their homes.”

A group of Fox Island residents including Susie Ruben (white blouse), Doug Colman (white hat) and Marty Ruben (black hat) discuss the bridge replacement during an open house Thursday. Photo by Ed Friedrich

People are scared and anxious they could be priced out of their houses.

“Just to say all of them can afford it out there, it’s not fair and accurate,” she said.

Keep is simple, affordable

County Councilwoman Robyn Denson, who caught the end of the meeting after a previous engagement, said from all the meetings, door knocking and other conversations she’s had that the overwhelming consideration is cost. Most people don’t want bells and whistles. They want something simple, utilitarian and as affordable as possible.

“I do think people would like a bike-sidewalk path on the bridge if that doesn’t significantly impact the cost, but, again, the primary consideration is the price of the bridge and how it’s going to be funded,” she said.

The county and HDR plan two more open houses to accept input and update the study’s progress. The second one in late 2024/early 2025 will present replacement alternatives. The third in mid-2025 will offer the preferred alternative.

The open house was held in the Artondale Elementary School gym. Photo by Ed Friedrich

The cost and method of financing the bridge is creating much angst among Fox Islanders, Denson said. She believes the county understands what most residents are thinking and that is guiding the consultants’ work on the study. She plans to hold her 2025 District 7 “in-district” meeting on or near Fox Island with the bridge as the topic so residents can share their views on options, prices and funding with the entire council.

“This is critical,” she said. “I am only one vote and this is a hugely expensive project that is going to have a big impact on our county transportation program. I need all of the councilmembers to understand the impact of the bridge on the community and to understand what the community wants.

“I know Fox Island residents are anxious about this. It’s really hard to wait for those designs. I, too, am excited to see the options and the price tags next year so we can really get down to talking about how we are going to build this bridge.”