SHINE — Work leading to replacement of the eastern span of the Hood Canal Bridge will begin as soon as next year.
The new portion of the floating bridge is still due to be placed in 2006 — meaning the North Olympic Peninsula will be without the bridge for about two months.
And weekend closures are expected during the entire construction, which will also widen shoulders along the entire bridge.
The official spring 2003 start date was announced this week by state Department of Transportation officials, said state Rep. Jim Buck, R-Joyce, on Thursday.
Buck said he’s been assured of the project’s timeline by Randy Hain, DOT’s regional administrator.
The contract for the $205 million overhaul will be up for bid in December, Project Manager John Callahan said Thursday.
Construction of the pontoons for the eastern half would then begin in April or May 2003.
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