Barker Bridge Closes For Construction

SPOKANE — A major construction projects begins Monday morning.

Construction crews are replacing the aging Barker Bridge in the Spokane Valley. The bridge is over 50-years-old and has been classified as structurally deficient. Weight restrictions were imposed on bridge traffic in 2007 to prevent additional deterioration until construction could begin. The project is expected to cost $11 million dollars.

The Spokane River below the bridge will remain open for recreational use throughout the construction except for temporary full closures that may be required if construction activity calls for the additional safety measure. While river access at Barker Road Bridge will be closed, river access points at Harvard Road and at the Centennial Trail access at Flora and Montgomery will remain open.

“Keeping the area safe for the community is one of our top priorities,” said City of Spokane Valley Senior Engineer and project manager Ken Knutson. “But we wanted to keep the river itself open for recreational use as much as possible.”

The portion of the Centennial Trail than runs below the bridge area will also be closed. Trail users will be rerouted along Montgomery Avenue and Riverway Street. Drivers along those roadways are asked to be particularly aware of pedestrians and cyclists in the area and use appropriate caution.

Drivers will have to use alternate routes until the project is complete in the winter of 2009.