'Incredible moving bridge' gets weight limits

Truckers will soon have to abide by new rules to cross Whitman County’s Hatley Bridge on the Wawawai -Pullman Road which spans Union Flat Creek near the top of the Wawawai grade.

Public Works Director Mark Storey reported to commissioners Monday that Nicholls Engineering of Spokane recommended lowering the weight limit on the bridge, which is affectionately dubbed “the incredible moving bridge.”

Storey said Nicholls’ inspection found the concrete bridge deck moved enough off its foundation to require load restrictions.

Because it is on a “fairly critical truck route,” Storey asked commissioners to lower the speed limit for trucks to 35 miles per hour over the bridge and to only allow one truck on the bridge at a time. Commissioners unanimously approved the limits.

The 120-foot long bridge has moved more than a foot off its foundation since it was built in 1971. It is slated to be repaired with $681,000 in federal bridge repair funds this fall.

That means use of the bridge will be limited during this year’s harvest.

“The trucking community’s going to have to make some adjustments to get through this year,” said Storey.

Overloaded truck configurations will need to call the county in advance to cross the bridge. Storey said sheriff’s deputies will monitor traffic across Hatley Bridge.

He added county crews inspect the bridge’s stability monthly and even weekly during harvest.

Also Monday, Storey said the county has lifted winter restrictions for trucks hauling on all but three listed county roads.

During winter months, heavy trucks can do a great deal of damage to freezing and thawing roads. That traffic is allowed to drive county roads only by permit during the winter closure.

Storey said the Malden-Pine City, Thorn Creek and Warner roads will remain under restrictions.