Highway 27: Project begins on problem bridge

Thompson Bros. Excavating, Vancouver, began pre-construction work Monday on a contract to replace the Pine Creek Bridge on Highway 27 between Tekoa and Oakesdale.

Flooding of Pine Creek during high water conditions has made the Highway 27 link one of the most often closed in the state. High water flows over the bridge and the low approaches.

Built in 1937, the bridge is one of only 110 wooden bridges remaining in the state’s inventory, according to Al Gilson, spokesman for the Regional Department of Transportation office.

Thompson Bros. was awarded a $2,301,453 contract to be prime contractor...