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Fryingpan Creek Bridge Replacement Project
Mount Rainier National Park » Fryingpan Creek Bridge Replacement Project » Document List
The National Park Service (NPS) in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration, Western Federal Lands Highway Division (FHWA), proposes to replace the historic Fryingpan Creek Bridge. The bridge is located in the northeastern area of Mount Rainier National Park along the Sunrise Road. The Sunrise Road is a 15-mile section of highway that provides the sole vehicular access from Mather Memorial Highway (Highway 410) to the Sunrise Developed Area and White River Campground with the park.
Fryingpan Creek Bridge is located approximately 3 miles west of the White River Entrance and Ranger Station. The bridge is rated as of "major" concern in the most recent FHWA Bridge Inspection Report. The Fryingpan Creek Bridge remains safe for continued use at reduced loads and with frequent inspections, however extensive rehabilitation or replacement is necessary to ensure continued vehicular access to this popular area within Mount Rainier National Park.
The NPS prepared an environmental assessment for public review and comment. Based on the analysis presented in the EA, the NPS, with support from the FHWA, has selected Alternative B - New Bridge on a New Alignment Downstream of Existing Bridge (the NPS preferred alternative). The selected alternative incorporates the mitigation measures and best management practices (BMPs) listed in attachment A. As a result of public comment, modifications were made to a few of the figures, an additional figure was added, and additional text was added to the dismissal language in appendix A of the EA (see attachment B). Additional changes to the proposed trailhead parking area design were also made in response to public comment and consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the Washington State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). These changes will result in the same or reduced impacts from what is described in the EA and are discussed in the decision document and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
Under the selected alternative, a new longer permanent bridge will be constructed approximately 50 feet downstream from the existing bridge. The bridge will be approximately 220 feet long with a waterway opening of 207 feet from face-of-abutment to face-of-abutment on the new alignment, allowing the bridge to span the 100-year floodplain and the abutments be located outside of the ordinary high water mark. The new longer bridge and abutment locations will expand the channel migration zone and floodplain under the bridge crossing, which is currently constricted by the existing bridge abutments. The new bridge will be approximately 92 feet longer than the existing bridge. Construction activities to access, excavate, install new, and remove existing bridge components will encroach into the active waterway.
Fryingpan Creek Bridge is located approximately 3 miles west of the White River Entrance and Ranger Station. The bridge is rated as of "major" concern in the most recent FHWA Bridge Inspection Report. The Fryingpan Creek Bridge remains safe for continued use at reduced loads and with frequent inspections, however extensive rehabilitation or replacement is necessary to ensure continued vehicular access to this popular area within Mount Rainier National Park.
The NPS prepared an environmental assessment for public review and comment. Based on the analysis presented in the EA, the NPS, with support from the FHWA, has selected Alternative B - New Bridge on a New Alignment Downstream of Existing Bridge (the NPS preferred alternative). The selected alternative incorporates the mitigation measures and best management practices (BMPs) listed in attachment A. As a result of public comment, modifications were made to a few of the figures, an additional figure was added, and additional text was added to the dismissal language in appendix A of the EA (see attachment B). Additional changes to the proposed trailhead parking area design were also made in response to public comment and consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the Washington State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). These changes will result in the same or reduced impacts from what is described in the EA and are discussed in the decision document and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
Under the selected alternative, a new longer permanent bridge will be constructed approximately 50 feet downstream from the existing bridge. The bridge will be approximately 220 feet long with a waterway opening of 207 feet from face-of-abutment to face-of-abutment on the new alignment, allowing the bridge to span the 100-year floodplain and the abutments be located outside of the ordinary high water mark. The new longer bridge and abutment locations will expand the channel migration zone and floodplain under the bridge crossing, which is currently constricted by the existing bridge abutments. The new bridge will be approximately 92 feet longer than the existing bridge. Construction activities to access, excavate, install new, and remove existing bridge components will encroach into the active waterway.