WSDOT is evaluating each of the following alternatives. When reviewing each alternative, please focus on the location and the other listed details. Each alternative will have 2-way traffic on roadways and bridges, with two 12-foot lanes and two 5-foot shoulders. Cost and timeline items marked with an * indicate this is an initial WSDOT estimate and subject to change.
- Alternative 1 – Maintain permanent bridge closure
- Alternative 2 – Bridge replacement at existing location
- Alternative 3 – Bridge replacement north of existing location
- Alternative 4 – Bridge replacement south of existing location
- Alternative 5 – West alternative alignment, new bridge location near Carbonado
- Alternative 6 – West alternative alignment from SR 162, no bridge
- Alternative 7 – East alternative alignment, new bridge location
Alternative 1 – Maintain permanent bridge closure
The existing bridge would remain closed to all users with a dead end in Carbonado. With this no-build option, the bridge would be removed. This work would take about *three years to complete once funding is received.
Approximate cost: *$35M-50M+
Key considerations:
- Closes SR 165 south of Carbonado.
- Removes existing bridge.
Be sure to share your thoughts on this alternative on the feedback page.
*Initial WSDOT estimate, subject to change
Alternative 2 – Bridge replacement at existing location
A new bridge would be built at the existing bridge location. This would first require the existing structure to be removed. This alternative would take *six years from receiving funding and would include removal of the bridge, design, permitting and construction.
Approximate cost: *$80M-130M
Key considerations:
- Removes the existing bridge first.
- Difficult construction access.
Alternative 3 – Bridge replacement north of existing location
A new bridge would be built north of the existing bridge and would require a realignment of approximately a half mile of SR 165. This alternative would take about *six years from receiving funding and would include removal of the bridge, design, right-of-way, permitting, and construction.
Approximate cost: *$60M-100M
Key considerations:
- A new 650-foot bridge needed.
- Approximately a half mile of retaining wall and rock cuts needed.
- Difficult construction access.
Alternative 4 – Bridge replacement south of existing location
A new bridge would be built south of the existing bridge and would require a minor realignment of SR 165. This alternative would take *six years from receiving funding and would include removal of the existing bridge, design, right-of-way, permitting, and construction.
Approximate cost: *$60M-100M
Key considerations:
- A new 650-foot bridge needed.
- Retaining walls and rock cuts needed for bridge approaches.
- Difficult construction access.
Be sure to share your thoughts on these alternatives on the feedback page.
*Initial WSDOT estimate, subject to change.
Alternative 5 – West alternative alignment, new bridge location near Carbonado
SR 165 would be realigned to the south of Carbonado beginning near Wilkeson-Carbonado Road. A new bridge would be built spanning the Carbon River south of Carbonado. West of the Carbon River, the new alignment would follow Lilly Creek and reconnect to the existing SR 165 alignment near Lilly Creek Road East. This alternative would take approximately *five years from receiving funding and would include removal of the existing bridge, design, right-of-way, permitting, and construction.
Approximate cost: *$465M-785M
Key considerations:
- Approximately 1,400-foot bridge needed to cross the Carbon River.
- Five miles of new roadway construction.
- Steep topography requires large areas of rock cuts, retaining walls, and fill.
- Right-of-way needed.
- Difficult construction access.
Alternative 6 – West alternative alignment from SR 162, no bridge
SR 165 would be realigned to connect with SR 162 near Crocker and would not require a new bridge over the Carbon River. The new alignment would follow Lilly Creek and connect to the existing SR 165 alignment near Lilly Creek Road East. This alternative would take approximately *seven years from receiving funding and would include removal of the existing bridge, design, right-of-way, permitting, and construction.
Approximate cost: *$440M-735M
Key considerations:
- Approximately 11 miles of new roadway construction.
- Steep topography requires large areas of rock cuts, retaining walls, and fill.
- Right-of-way needed.
- Difficult construction access.
Alternative 7 – East alternative alignment, new bridge location
SR 165 would be realigned along the limited access route east of Wilkeson and Carbonado. It would reconnect to the existing SR 165 south of the current Fairfax Bridge. It would upgrade 12 miles of road to highway standards and include a new or upgraded Kolisch Road bridge over the Carbon River. This alternative would take about *six years from receiving funding and would include removal of the existing bridge, design, right-of-way, permitting, and construction
Approximate cost: *$375M-610M
Key considerations:
- Approximately 12 miles of new roadway construction.
- Steep topography requires large areas of rock cuts, walls, and fill.
- Two new bridges needed, Kolisch Road and Wilkeson Creek.
- Right-of-way needed.
- Difficult construction access.
Be sure to share your thoughts on these alternatives on the feedback page.
*Initial WSDOT estimate, subject to change