Bridge for Kids

Emergency Evacuation Pedestrian Bridge Project

What’s Happening?

The Bridge for Kids currently under construction is the first phase of the overall Council approved pedestrian evacuation route.  The pedestrian bridge has been designed to be Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. 

In the event of a lahar from Mount Rainier or a major flood event, students and residents will utilize the bridge to safely cross SR-162. By removing the existing at grade highway crossing, this bridge will provide safe pedestrian access to schools, commercial centers, and the Foothills Trail.

The Bridge for Kids phase 1 will provide an immediate benefit with a safe crossing for pedestrians over SR-162, keeping traffic flowing on the highway while pedestrians cross the bridge via a ramp or stairs. 

Did you know?  In Washington state, there is a requirement for signage on bridges with low clearance of 14 feet above roadway surface. The clearance under the Bridge for Kids with formwork is 16'7". Therefore, there will not be a clearance sign needed on the Bridge for Kids.

Highlights include:

• Safe crossing over the highway for families and children
• Safer school crossing for children
• Increased access to the Foothills Trail
• Reduced vehicle idling on SR-162
• Evacuation route (Phase 1)

Construction Impacts:

• Lane closures, detours, and flaggers directing traffic
• Closure of Rocky Road NE
• Large machinery and truck activity
• Detours for people walking and biking on the Foothills Trail
• Periodic night work

Schedule

Construction started in January 2025 and is scheduled for completion in summer of 2026. There will be intermittent lane closures during construction which will be communicated in advance via the city’s website, social media (find us on Facebook and Instagram), with the help of WSDOT regional travel alerts and reader boards, like those used for traffic notifications.

Regular Schedule Info:

• Standard work hours are 7 AM – 4:00 PM.
• There are no shoulder closure restrictions.
• Lane closures are allowed 9:15 AM and 2:00 PM.
• Although no lane closure operations are planned, material deliveries to the east work zone at Rocky Road require intermittent flagger controlled short-term traffic stops on SR 162 (typically 2 minutes or less) between 9:15 AM and 2:00 PM to provide ingress and egress of concrete trucks during concrete placement operations.  Advance Class A signs posted for these operations include Road Work Ahead / Be Prepared to Stop / Flagger Ahead.  Short-term holds for access are used only on an as needed basis.

Milestone Schedule:

• January 13, 2025:  Permanent Closure of Rocky Road NE

• January 22, 2025: Crosswalk relocation from Rocky Road NE to Lane Blvd NE

• The existing crosswalk at Rocky Road NE will remain for construction crew to cross SR-162 during construction. At grade highway crosswalks will be removed permanently once the bridge is constructed.

• January 22, 2025: Detour of the Foothills Trail to Old Pioneer Way NW for the duration of the project.

• January 24 - 30, 2025: Relocation of Sanitary Sewer Force Main

• February 18, 2025: Foothills Trail Detour completed and opened to pedestrians

• February to September 2025: Construction of Shafts and Shaft Caps

• April to September 2025: Construction of Piers

• July to October 2025: Construction of Bridge Super Structure 

• August 20, 2025: Girder Setting completed 

• August 25 & 26, 2025: Single Lane closures 9:15 AM and 2:00 PM.

• September 22, 2025: Baker tanks delivered for drillers to return. Single Lane Closures expected this week. 

• September 24, 2025: Michel's Drilling Company mobilizes to install the last two shafts on the west side.

• October 9 & 10, 2025: Single Lane closures 9:15 AM and 2:00 PM. Weather dependent.

• October 2025 to March 2026: Construction of Columns, Ramps and Stairs

• Summer 2026: Bridge Completion

We will update this construction timeline regularly with more specific details as they become available. Schedule is subject to change.

Foothills Trail Detour in Orting, WA

Trail users and pedestrians will follow a detour route in the right-of-way on Old Pioneer Way NW starting February 18, 2025, until completion of the bridge in summer 2026. 

The detour is between Lane Blvd NW and ends before the crosswalk to Ptarmigan Ridge Elementary. Pedestrians must stay on the detour trail in the right-of-way once it is constructed for their safety.

Funding

The project is funded through the Washington State Department of Transportation through a state legislative grant. The city has assumed lead role to complete the construction of the project working with Parametrix as the designer and Construction Manager, along with Quigg Brother Inc. as the general contractor. Funding includes $9,000,000 in Washington State Legislature grants and the city received $25,000 in funds from the Port of Tacoma that was used during the design phase.

 In the event of a lahar, during school hours, kids evacuate on foot across the Calistoga Bridge (Puyallup River) past the Soldiers Home to the Rock Quarry.

Until the second bridge over the Carbon River can be built, residents should follow the red lines out of the city as soon as the sirens go off, don’t wait - EVACUATE! 

1. Have a family plan to include:
2. Know the fastest Evacuation Route from where you live and/or work.
3. The driving map is provided below.
4. Plan to WALK OUT – Automobile accidents create huge bottlenecks. You will be able to get out faster if you walk. The best walk-out route is west on Calistoga Avenue to the County Rock Quarry. Another less convenient route is south of town up to the Buttes or Card Road.
5. Do not go to the school for your children—they will already be on their way up the hill. The schools have an evacuation plan. Check with the Orting School District for detailed information on where you can expect to reunite with your children.
6. Keep Moving - Whether walking or driving, don’t stop, keep moving – People behind you need to get up the hill, too. Police will not respond to automobile accidents.

 If you would like to know more, please use the links below on our Emergency Preparedness city website.  

https://www.cityoforting.org/public-safety/emergency-management/emergency-preparedness