It took two construction seasons to complete work on the bridge at Appleway Road over the Spokane River. Spokane County announced today the bridge, west of Stateline Village, is opening ahead of schedule and under budget. It will be open for traffic on Thursday at 9 a.m.
The 72-year-old bridge reached the end of its service in 2010 when the county began its work on replacing the bridge. The bridge was estimated to cost about $17,500,000 to repair, but the county says it only cost $8 million to complete.
When they began service the old bridge, they found several broken supports and abutments scoured away.
County engineer, Bob Brueggeman says the new bridge design incorporates architectural elements that reflect the original 1939 design.