The Lewis and Clark Bridge in Longview will be closed for up to eight days for repairs starting at 8 p.m. Sunday.
Ambulances, pedestrians and bicyclists will be able to cross the bridge during the closure, except for between 10 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday.
The closure will allow for a Washington State Department of Transportation contractor to replace two expansion joints and a fractured floor beam.
While the bridge is being repaired, the nearest Columbia River crossings will be the Interstate 5 Bridge and the Astoria-Megler Bridge, both adding hours to a normally quick commute.
Another option is the Wahkiakum County Ferry, also known as the Oscar B ferry, which runs between Cathlamet and Westport. It will run twice an hour, 24 hours a day, while the bridge is closed.
Due to its limited capacity, however, its use should be reserved for urgent matters that do not require an ambulance, according to WSDOT. A priority lane will be set up and enforced to accommodate travelers with non-emergency medical needs, as well as first responders and health care workers.
“We are grateful for everyone’s patience while our contractor works to complete these critical repairs as safely and quickly as possible,” WSDOT Southwest Region Administrator Carley Francis said in a press release. “This closure will bring challenges for communities on both sides of the river. We thank everyone in advance for their understanding whether they are postponing trips, using detours or waiting for the ferry.”
