Remote Surveillance Trailer in Coulee Dam, WA

GRAND COULEE - Washington State Department of Transportation officials say the Coulee Dam Bridge on State Route 155 remains safe for the public to use, despite visible deterioration in a portion of the bridge deck that has raised concerns among motorists.

WSDOT confirmed the bridge, which was built in 1932, has been assessed by agency bridge engineers and is not considered to have a structural integrity issue. While officials did not immediately provide a specific structural rating, they emphasized that the bridge has been evaluated and deemed safe for travel.

Recent attention has focused on a roughly three-foot-wide section of asphalt that appears to bow or flex when vehicles pass over it. According to WSDOT, that area is part of the bridge deck that has deteriorated over time. Engineers say some flexing in bridge decks is normal, but the upper layer of pavement in this location is breaking down due to long-term wear.

WSDOT clarified that the issue affects the road surface rather than the underlying structure of the bridge. While the section can be noisy and visually concerning, officials said it does not pose a structural risk at this time. However, they acknowledged that repairs are needed to prevent further deterioration.

No emergency repairs are planned, but WSDOT said a fix is likely to be scheduled later this year. The agency added that it intends to plan the work in a way that avoids closing the bridge, if possible.

In the meantime, WSDOT is advising drivers to use caution when crossing the bridge, drive for conditions, and reduce speed. Motorists are also encouraged to sign up for WSDOT travel alerts and updates to stay informed about upcoming work that could result in delays.

WSDOT said it will continue to monitor the condition of the bridge as part of its ongoing maintenance and inspection program.

QUINCY - A bill aimed at giving rural counties more time and flexibility to plan for large-scale industrial development while maintaining Washington’s growth management and environmental safeguards is advancing in the Legislature.

On Tuesday, the House Local Government Committee unanimously approved House Bill 2006, sponsored by Rep. Alex Ybarra. The measure would extend deadlines under the state’s Growth Management Act, allowing additional rural counties to designate industrial land banks during upcoming comprehensive plan updates.

Industrial land banks are large, carefully planned sites located outside urban growth areas and intended for industrial or manufacturing projects too large to be sited within city limits. Under current law, only counties that designated these land banks prior to 2016 are eligible to use the tool.

“For years, this tool has only been available to a small number of counties that happened to meet an earlier deadline,” Ybarra said. “HB 2006 would level the playing field by allowing other rural counties the opportunity to plan ahead and compete for economic development that fits their communities.”

If approved, the bill would allow rural counties that collect a voter-approved sales-and-use tax for economic development to designate one or more industrial land banks during their next required comprehensive plan update, provided they do so before Dec. 31, 2027.

Supporters argue the legislation is especially critical for rural areas that face limited industrial land availability, higher unemployment, or fewer opportunities to attract large employers.

“When a rural county lands a major manufacturer or resource-based employer, the impact can be transformative,” Ybarra said. “We’re talking about good-paying jobs, new local revenue, and long-term stability for families who want to live and work close to home.”

The bill does not remove or weaken growth management or environmental protections. Counties would still be required to follow a multi-step planning process, complete environmental reviews, protect critical areas, ensure adequate infrastructure, and prevent urban sprawl.

“This bill is about thoughtful, responsible planning, not cutting corners,” Ybarra said. “It gives counties the flexibility to prepare for future opportunities while preserving the rural character and environmental values that make these communities unique.”

House Bill 2006 now awaits consideration by the full House.