By MICHAEL WHITNEY
Published July 11, 2012

City decides to close Broadway Bridge for 1 year
EVERETT - The city determined last week it will close off Broadway Bridge for one year.
The 100-year-old bridge over the railroad tracks between Hewitt and Everett avenues is in desperate need of replacement. The city hopes to start work early next year. The work will close off a small section of Broadway Avenue. Detour routes are still being worked out. The city hopes to minimize the impact to businesses located near the construction zone.
The project costs $9 million, with $7.3 million being paid by federal bridge replacement dollars. The city wants Burlington Northern Santa Fe to pay for half of the remaining $1.7 million.
At a Broadway Bridge open house two weeks ago, almost everyone agreed a complete closure of the bridge for one year was the best option. The other option would have partially closed the bridge for two years to allow traffic to cross it during construction but it would have added $1 million to the project cost.
To get on a mailing list for updates on the replacement project, send an e-mail to everettpw@ci.everett.wa.us.