PASCO, Wash. – A new and improved look is coming to the US 395 Pioneer Memorial Bridge, also known as the Blue Bridge, in the Tri-Cities as it enters its 70th year of operation.
The Washington State Department of Transportation says the yearlong project to repaint the bridge is set to begin early January 2024 with preparations starting a week from now.
Due to the project, WSDOT says it will reduce the bridge down to one lane going in each direction for several months in 2024 and reduce the speed limit from 55 to 45 mph.
WSDOT says drivers can expect long delays while work is going on, especially during peak driving hours.
WSDOT recommends using alternate routes to cross the Columbia River during the project, including the US 397 Ed Hendler Bridge, known as the Cable Bridge, or the I-182 crossings, known as the Lee-Volpentest Bridges.
The project is the second stage in the painting project. WSDOT completed the first stage at the bottom of the bridge in 2019.
WSDOT estimates that the second stage will be complete by early 2025.
