The Green River Meeker Street Bridge in Kent officially reopened to the public on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, following a months-long repair project aimed at improving safety and accessibility.

The bridge underwent minor repairs, repainting, and repaving of the roadway deck, after construction began with a full closure on Aug. 5, 2024.

Despite some work delays, repairs focused on strengthening the aging structure, which had shown signs of wear after decades of use. Improvements included replacing portions of the decking, reinforcing the bridge’s supports, and updating pedestrian pathways. The project also added new lighting to enhance visibility and safety for both vehicles and pedestrians.

The city said that bridge deck work has been suspended until 2025 when favorable weather returns.

During the closure, detours were put in place, causing disruptions to local traffic.

The Meeker Street Bridge is a critical link for downtown Kent, connecting the downtown core to SR 516/Kent-Des Moines Road.

With the bridge now open, city officials are hopeful it will ease congestion and support local commerce.

Below are photos of the bridge, courtesy Reese L. Dengler:

Scott Schaefer

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