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WSDOT online open houses

SR 165 Carbon River – Fairfax Bridge Planning Study

Welcome!

WSDOT has begun a planning study to explore options for addressing the condition of the SR 165 Carbon River-Fairfax Bridge and providing access across the Carbon River. The planning study evaluates tradeoffs of different options. We know this is an important issue, and here’s why we’re doing this.

On Tuesday, April 22, WSDOT permanently closed the SR 165 Carbon River-Fairfax Bridge to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Preliminary findings from recent inspections of the bridge revealed new deterioration of steel supports of the more than century-old span.

Aerial photo of the Carbon River-Fairfax Bridge
The SR 165 Carbon River-Fairfax Bridge is a steel truss bridge supported by a lattice work of steel beams and columns. In this recent aerial image, rusting areas on the steel truss portions of the bridge are visible underneath the bridge deck.

Feedback opportunities

We want to know what you think of the proposed alternatives presented in this open house. We will accept feedback through Tuesday, June 17, at which point the online open house will close.

For more information about the planning study, visit our webpage: bit.ly/SR165FairfaxStudy.

In-person open houses

If you would like to provide feedback in person, join us at one of our upcoming in-person open houses:

These are drop-in style events; you are welcome to come and go at your convenience. The content of the in-person open houses will be the same as this online format, but you will also be able to speak with the project team and ask questions. This study is funded through $1.5 million in state funding.  No funding has been identified for right-of-way, design or construction.

Photo of a steel support column on the SR 165 Carbon River-Fairfax Bridge showing visible deformation from compression, which can lead to bridge failure
This steel support column on the SR 165 Carbon River-Fairfax Bridge shows signs of advanced deterioration. Specifically, there is visible deformation from compression, which can lead to bridge failure. It’s akin to an aluminum pop can. The pop can is strong when the side is not bent or damaged. This photo illustrates the waves and curves (right side) which show the damage to the bridge.