Murray Morgan Bridge

Unfortunately I don't have any recipes to publish yet but I have found the latest information on the rehab of the 11th St. bridge.

The bridge ownership was turned back to the City of Tacoma in a - you guessed it- turnback agreement early this year. The agreement also provides some funding for the rehab but not enough to completely restore it. Tacoma received $37.1 million from Federal funding and $10.8 million in State funds. Also included was the replacement of the lifting cables which was completed the first quarter of this year. The bridge is supposed to be open to pedestrian traffic now. Total estimate of a complete restoration is $61.4 million.

With the funding already in place, the initial phase (phase 1) is scheduled to begin October, 2010 and be completed November, 2012. This phase includes rehabilitation of the 3 truss spans including structural repairs, superstructure seismic retrofits, repairs to the mechanical systems, replacement of the electrical system, deck replacement, painting, repair the bridge piers. Also will include replacement of the deck on the City approach.

After phase 1 is completed, the bridge will be open to vehicle traffic with no load restrictions.

Phase 2 and 3 will be completed when funding is obtained.

Did you know that opening this bridge saves the City approx. $1 million per year in emergency response costs, allows the City to compete for funding to finish the rehab, and increases the opportunity for development on the east side?

Thank you Tom Rutherford, City of Tacoma, for all the information.