Roadwork temporarily closes bridge on Preston-Snoqualmie Trail

The Raging River Bridge on the Preston-Snoqualmie Trail is getting a seismic retrofit to make it more earthquake resistant. Consequently, the pedestrian walkway on the bridge that links the trail will be closed through August.

The bridge also carries the Preston-Fall City Road about 1.5 miles south of Fall City. Traffic will be reduced to one lane on the bridge for the next six to eight weeks while construction goes on.

The two-lane bridge in unincorporated King County was built in the early 1960's and does not meet current standards for earthquake resistance. The project will add four anchors and several steel connectors to join the pieces more firmly together.

"We know these closures are disruptive for trail users and drivers, but this project will improve the safety of both the trail and the road above," said project manager Steven Jiang. "We thank everyone – both motorists and non-motorists – for their patience with this entire project."

The total $850,000 bridge project is expected to be completed in late August before the start of the new school year.