Sullivan Bridge Replacement to include river access improvements

Unbeknownst to many, Sullivan Bridge in Spokane Valley is actually two bridges. The bridge carrying southbound traffic has decayed to the point where temporary weight restrictions were implemented in 2011. The bridge is a critical component of moving freight traffic, with an estimated 29,500 vehicles, (about 24% being commercial trucks) using it daily.

For the City of Spokane Valley, bridge replacement is central to supporting existing businesses and future economic development. Plans call for the current 2-lane southbound bridge to be replaced with a 4-lane structure beginning in 2014.

Part of this effort would include improvements to Sullivan Park, creating a Spokane River access and restoration of the riparian area. In a January 9th public meeting, a couple of preliminary concepts for river access were presented. Click here to view.

Said Andy Dunau with the River Forum, “For a number of years the Spokane Canoe and Kayak Club and others have wanted to improve river access at this critical location. Working with the Valley and Riverside State Park gives us the opportunity to do it, and do it in a way that fits long term riparian restoration and stewardship needs.”

The Forum will be working with user groups to provide input on river access designs. If you are interested in participating, contact the Forum at info@spokaneriver.net.

In a perfect world, bridge replacement and river access improvements would occur in 2014 and 2015. To do this, the City of Spokane Valley needs an estimated $19.7 million dollars of funding. Thus far, $15.8 million of federal, state and local funding has been identified. Said Steve Worley, the City of Spokane Valley’s Senior Capital Projects Engineer, “We’re proceeding with the final design with the belief that we can find the rest of the needed funding.”

For more information or to share input on the project, contact bridge replacement project manager Craig Aldworth at caldworth@spokanevalley.org, or 509-720-5001.