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Failing Old Bridges to be Torn Out and Replaced

A couple of shaky old deteriorating bridges in Spokane County will be torn out and replaced. Good news for drivers, but it means the dilapidated old spans are among the worst in the state. Under a state-managed part of a federal highway bridge program, the Ritchey Road bridge over Deep Creek and the Monroe Road bridge over Dragoon Creek will both be replaced.

Replacement of the Ritchey Road bridge should cost about $1.5 million; the Monroe Road structure about $1.2 million.

Additionally, the bases of four small bridges in Spangle just south of Spokane will be reinforced with heavy rock so that sudden swift runoffs cannot undermine the structures. That work will cost $264,000.

The projects are among 32 statewide chosen by highway engineers from among 93 applications. The state transportation department will spend more than $70 million this year. A transportation department official said about half the bridges approved for funding are beyond the point of repair.

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