Latah Bridge Rehabilitation Study
Background
For nearly 100 years, the Latah Bridge (also known as Sunset Bridge or High Bridge) has played a vital role in the Spokane area’s transportation network, spanning the Latah Valley and providing a key surface link between downtown Spokane and the West Plains.
Recently, the bridge has begun showing its age. Portions of the bridge have deteriorated to the point that the City has restricted traffic to the two center lanes of the bridge. Projected growth in the West Plains and associated transportation infrastructure improvement projects intend to increase demand for the Sunset Boulevard Corridor and the Latah Bridge.
The Study
To better understand current conditions of the bridge, and identify preliminary solution alternatives that will support the public use of this historic and vital transportation link, the City of Spokane selected CH2M Hill in a qualifications based selection process to conduct a study. The study included transportation planning and engineering, structural inspections and analyses, an environmental review, and alternative/concept development. The entire process was vetted through a stakeholder and public process.
Now complete, this study serves as a basis and roadmap for the City of Spokane to seek future grant funding for design, environmental compliance, permitting, and construction of a recommended rehabilitation strategy.
Recommendation
Study Report Volume 2 identifies key recommendations to address the bridge rehabilitation, including:
- The City of Spokane should consider a solution that ensures a long-term (40+ years) design life for the Latah Bridge, rather than a shorter design life solution
- The recommended long-term option provides for bridge deck widening sufficient to accommodate planned and forecast vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit, and freight demands with adequate lane widths and facilities to meet current standards.
Next Steps
City Staff will seek design funds for a long-term bridge rehabilitation solution. It’s important to note that due to uncertainty of obtaining Federal funding to complete the next steps such as design, acquire right-of-way, and construct, timing of the actual rehabilitation structure is unknown.
Project Resources
Study Report Volume 1: Baseline Conditions Summary Document
Appendices
A – Documentation of Stakeholder/Public Coordination
B – Bridge Material Testing Reports
C – Latah Bridge Inspection Report
D – Corrosion Testing and Analysis Results E Traffic Count Data
G – Synchro Worksheets – Existing Conditions and 2030 No Build Alternative
H – Preliminary Cultural Resource Investigations Technical Memorandum
Study Report Volume 2: Bridge Rehabilitation Options and Recommendations
Table of Content and Section 1
Appendices
A – Documentation of Stakeholder/Public Coordination)
B – Coordination Meeting Summary
C – Bridge Rehabilitation Concepts
F – Concept Construction Schedules
G – Geometric Considerations for Select Bridge Alternatives
Bridge Improvement Concept Visualizations
Each visualization file shows a photo of the existing bridge, and visual simulations for alternative concepts B and D that widen the bridge deck.
Viewpoint #1 – View from Above Bridge Deck on Coeur d’Alene Street Sidewalk
Viewpoint #2 – View from Below Bridge at Government Way Viewpoint
Viewpoint #3 – View from Above Bridge Deck along Centerline
Contact Us
If you have questions about the study or progress on next steps, please contact Katherine Miller, Principal Engineer for Capital Programs, at kemiller@spokanecity.org or 509-625-6338.
