Updated: February 2, 2026

Project Update:

David Evans and Associates, Inc. was awarded a professional services contract on July 24, 2024, to provide the project design. 75% level design completion is planned for Spring 2026. Both bridges are planned for replacement in 2027. As the work on each bridge is similar, completing both projects in the same year is more efficient and helps minimize impacts to nearby residents and businesses.

What is this project going to accomplish?

The project will remove the existing bridges over Mill Creek, located on N 4th Avenue and N 6th Avenue, and replace each bridge with a similar vehicle structure. Roadway and utility improvements will occur on the north and south sides of each bridge from Sumach Street to Rose Street. Completion of fish passage improvements in the Mill Creek channel around the 6th Avenue bridge.

History
In early 2021, staff conducted public outreach in the greater neighborhood around the 4th, 5th, and 6th Avenue bridges over Mill Creek to obtain input on bridge replacement options. The public was generally in favor of replacing the 4th Avenue bridge and the 6th Avenue bridge, while the 5th Avenue bridge could be removed.

In 2024, the city partnered with the Tri-State Steelheaders (TSS) to replace the 5th Avenue vehicle bridge with a pedestrian and bicycle bridge, along with constructing fish passage improvements in the creek channel from 3rd Avenue to 6th Avenue. TSS was awarded a grant from the WA State Recreation and Conservation Office to cover the full project cost, and the city provided the required 15% grant match.

The city was notified of grant awards in October 2023, from the federal Local Bridge Program to replace both the 4th and 6th Avenue bridges to provide vehicular access across Mill Creek.

Project Schedule

• Design - Expected completion in Summer 2026.
• Construction - Spring to Fall 2027.
  

How will this project be funded?
The total project cost to replace both bridges is estimated at $13.4 million. It is fully funded by a federal Local Bridge Program grant.