Why were crews scrambling to unwrap the Highway 395 blue bridge in the Tri-Cities?

Bob Brawdy

Construction workers were forced to take down the “cocoon” of tarps on the south end of the Highway 395 bridge between Kennewick and Pasco on Tuesday morning.

The tarps are being used to prevent debris from falling into the Columbia River or onto passing cars during a year-long, $33.5 million repainting of the blue bridge.

But a high wind advisory was issued Tuesday for the Lower Columbia Basin region, forcing the bridge painting crews to take down the recently installed tarps.

The contract with the Washington State Department of Transportation requires removing the coverings when the forecast is for high winds, said WSDOT spokesperson Scott Klepach.

Construction workers climb on the girders taking down the “cocoon” of tarps on the south side of the Highway 395 blue bridge over the Columbia River.
Construction workers climb on the girders taking down the “cocoon” of tarps on the south side of the Highway 395 blue bridge over the Columbia River.

The National Weather Service advisory was for the Tri-Cities, Connell, Prosser and the Hanford area from about 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. It called for Northwest winds from 20 to 30 mph, with gusts possible up to 45 to 50 mph.

The four-lane blue bridge, also known as the Pioneer Memorial Bridge, was built in the mid-1950s and carries about 66,000 vehicles a day across the river.

The tarps are being used prevent debris falling into the river or onto passing vehicles during the year-long, $33.5 million paint project.
The tarps are being used prevent debris falling into the river or onto passing vehicles during the year-long, $33.5 million paint project.

It was last repainted about 30 years ago, but that project was not as ambitious as the 2024 undertaking, which will address every possible painted surface, said state officials.

Construction workers climb on the girders Tuesday morning temporarily taking down the “cocoon” of tarps on the south side of the span.
Construction workers climb on the girders Tuesday morning temporarily taking down the “cocoon” of tarps on the south side of the span.

WSDOT hired Southern Road and Bridge, a Florida bridge contractor, to perform the work, which generally occurs on weekdays, but that could change depending changing work conditions.

The slow moving traffic on the bridge already has been a headache for many drivers.

A “cocoon” of tarps on the south side of the span as a strong breeze unfurls the U.S. flag and a river paddle boat navigates up the Columbia River before worker.
A “cocoon” of tarps on the south side of the span as a strong breeze unfurls the U.S. flag and a river paddle boat navigates up the Columbia River before worker.

Once the old paint is off, the bridge will be inspected for rust, broken bolts and other issues. When repairs are finished, it will be repainted with five coats of Air Force blue paint, the same hue that gave the bridge its nickname.

The work is expected to last the rest of the year.

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