Construction update: Richmond Beach Saltwater Park pedestrian bridge is unsafe

Saltwater Park pedestrian bridge is closed for repairs
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline

From the City of Shoreline

The City's contractor, MJ Hughes, closed the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park pedestrian bridge on January 20 to begin much needed structural repairs and upgrades. There are a number of factors outside of the City's and the contractor's control that could extend the timeline for construction and bridge closure.

To ensure safety, railroad regulations require railroad flaggers and inspectors to be located at the construction site during work activities that are directly above the railroad tracks.

Unfortunately, natural landslide disasters and other delayed projects in the same railroad segment are limiting the amount of available flagger staff to devote towards our project.

BNSF has tentatively stated that the current estimated date for available flaggers is the end of March; however, the City continues to explore options with BNSF to allow the work to begin earlier. This includes the potential for weekend and off-hour work schedules.

The contractor has completed as much of the work as possible that is outside of the area directly above the tracks, including repairs to the abutments, longitudinal braces and some removal of existing decking and curbing. The contractor did this work first so it can move quickly to complete the project once flaggers are available.

However, it also means there will be periods when the bridge remains closed and no work is being done while the contractor waits for flagger availability.

The current condition of the bridge is UNSAFE. It and the beach area will remain CLOSED to public access. Crossing private property without permission and crossing the railroad tracks to access the beach are illegal. It is also illegal to remove barrier fencing around the construction site to gain access across the bridge.

Illegally accessing a construction site is dangerous. This is especially true with bridge construction as it may not be clear what areas of the bridge are secure to walk across and which are not. Shoreline Police will continue patrols of the park and access points to the beach to ensure individuals do not illegally access the bridge or the beach.

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park is a heavily used park, even during the winter months. 

While our goal is to complete the project as quickly as possible and open the bridge, the number one priority for the City, the contractor, BNSF, and the public during construction is safety.

We want to ensure that construction and railroad crews and residents are safe. The repairs and upgrades are necessary to maintain a safe bridge and allow continued access for emergency and maintenance vehicles. Completion of these repairs will extend the life of the bridge 20 or more years at a fraction of what it would cost to replace the bridge.

For more information, see the webpage or call 206-801-2700.