SHINE – Work to replace antiquated hardware and reduce the Hood Canal Bridge’s carbon footprint will bring extra overnight closures to vehicle traffic in June.
Each night, Tuesday, June 6 to Thursday, June 8, from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following day, the bridge will close to vehicle traffic while crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation remove light poles from the bridge deck.
The lighting improvements are part of a larger project to reduce energy use on the bridge. As part of the work, 16 light poles will be removed from the bridge, while 34 others will be upgraded and fitted with more efficient light emitting diode lights. The new LED lights are designed to light the roadway for travelers while limiting excess light from reaching the water and surrounding beaches.
The project adds three overnight closures to those already announced for the larger and unrelated centerlock repairs.
“We try to combine as much work as possible to reduce down time for travelers,” said Hood Canal Bridge Supervisor Paul Gahr. “However, the lighting work requires the bridge span to be locked in place, while repairs to the centerlock system require the opposite.”
WSDOT bridge crews will ensure the bridge is accessible to first responders during the overnight closures, June 6-8.
“The bridge span will be locked in place during the lighting work. So, we will be able to accommodate first responders and escort them across in the event of an emergency,” added Gahr.
When complete, the lighting upgrades are estimated to save taxpayers more than $28,000 in utility and operational costs each year, reduce carbon emissions equivalent to planting 63 acres of trees, and lowers light pollution for wildlife in the area.
The lighting upgrades are part of a $1.6 million project that focuses on energy improvements at the Hood Canal Bridge, including weatherization and HVAC system upgrades in both control towers, and lighting inside the towers.
Travelers can get information about the Hood Canal Bridge via Hoodcanalbridge.com, WSDOT email alerts, the WSDOT app and blog, and on the statewide travel map and WSDOT regional Twitter feed.