SHINE — The state Department of Transportation will replace lighting hardware on the Hood Canal Bridge in June. Nighttime commuters should expect closures.
The closures will occur from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. June 6-8, adding three additional closures previously announced in regard to the center lock repairs, which will close the bridge multiple times throughout the summer.
The overnight closures have been set to allow crews to remove 16 light poles from the bridge deck and upgrade 34 others in an effort to reduce the bridge’s carbon footprint.
The new light poles will be fitted with more energy-efficient light-emitting diode lights, designed to light the road while limiting excess light from reaching the water and beaches, according to a press release from DOT.
“We try to combine as much work as possible to reduce downtime for travelers,” Hood Canal Bridge Supervisor Paul Gahr said. “However, the lighting work requires the bridge span to be locked in place, while repairs to the center lock system require the opposite.”
Gahr said the bridge will be open for first responders.
“The bridge span will be locked in place during the lighting work. So, we will be able to accommodate first responders and escort them across in the event of an emergency,” Gahr said.
Upon completion, the bridge lighting project is expected to save taxpayers $28,000 annually in utility and operational costs.
Additionally, the improvements will reduce the bridge’s carbon emissions to a level equal to planting 63 acres of trees and lower light pollution for local wildlife.
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Reporter Ken Park can be reached at kpark@peninsuladailynews.com.
