LONGVIEW – People who travel across the Lewis and Clark Bridge are invited to share how and when they use the span to help the Washington State Department of Transportation plan for a six-day closure of the bridge in 2023 for important preservation work.

In spring or summer 2023, the State Route 433 Lewis and Clark Bridge, which connects Longview, Washington and Rainier, Oregon, will close to vehicle traffic for up to six days as crews work to safely replace two bridge expansion joints at both ends of the bridge.

A closure of the bridge to vehicle traffic is needed for three reasons:

The six-day closure shortens the construction timeline for this $1 million preservation project and avoids weeks of daytime single lane closures causing congestion throughout the region. It also reduces the likelihood of emergency bridge repairs in the future.

"There's no good time to close a bridge, especially an interstate bridge. This planned, short-term closure will result in a long-term gain, helping us keep this critical route open for years to come," said Devin Reck, assistant regional administrator for WSDOT's Southwest Region. "Public input will help us figure out when we can do the repairs."

Details: People who use the Lewis and Clark Bridge between Longview, Washington and Rainier, Oregon are invited to share how and when they use the bridge so WSDOT can develop a construction schedule that minimizes the effect on travelers.

Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service and wish to participate in the survey using a Drive-In WiFi Hotspot.

During the closure, all vehicle traffic crossing the Columbia River will detour to either the Astoria-Megler Bridge between Megler, Washington and Astoria, Oregon, or the Interstate 5 Bridge between Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon. Access across the Lewis and Clark Bridge will remain open for pedestrians, bicyclists, and emergency responders.

The best way the traveling public can stay up-to-date on news and closure dates is to subscribe to email alerts for this project.

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