08/19/2026
Today, Wilkeson Historical District participated as a consulting party in WSDOT’s Section 106 cultural resources consultation for the SR-165 Fairfax Bridge project.
This particular phase of consultation focuses on the Area of Potential Effects (APE), cultural and historic resources, and the potential effects of the bridge replacement on the historic Fairfax Bridge, which is listed on both the National Register of Historic Places and the Washington Heritage Register.
Here are the key updates from today:
🏗️ PREFERRED BRIDGE CONCEPT
WSDOT is currently evaluating a concrete spandrel arch bridge as the preferred replacement concept. The bridge is still at the conceptual level and the final design has not been completed.
💰 PRELIMINARY COST: $30M–$40M
WSDOT shared a preliminary replacement estimate of approximately $30 million to $40 million. That estimate is still being reviewed and refined.
đź“… JANUARY 1, 2027
The work that we completed during the 2026 legislative session, followed by continued coordination with legislators regarding the Fairfax Bridge, resulted in an important reporting requirement.
WSDOT is required to provide updated project information to the Legislature by January 1, 2027, including an updated cost estimate.
Today’s presentation provided some of the first information being developed as part of that larger effort.
🌲 ENVIRONMENTAL TIMELINE: 1+ YEAR
WSDOT shared that Endangered Species Act consultation is expected to take approximately one year or more and is currently one of the primary factors affecting the overall project schedule.
🌉 EXPECTED NEW BRIDGE LIFESPAN: 75–100 YEARS
The replacement bridge would be designed for a minimum service life of approximately 75 to 100 years. Concrete is being considered in part because of its durability and lower long term maintenance requirements in this remote location.
🏛️ HISTORIC PRESERVATION
The Fairfax Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Washington Heritage Register.
Its removal is expected to result in an adverse effect under the Section 106 historic preservation process, requiring continued consultation and development of mitigation measures.
📄 NEXT UPDATE: 3–4 WEEKS
WSDOT expects the cultural resources report to be provided to consulting parties within approximately three to four weeks. We will have an opportunity to review and comment before additional consultation meetings are held.
đź“Ť PRESERVING THE STORY OF FAIRFAX
Wilkeson Historical District asked about opportunities to preserve the historic character and story of the Fairfax Bridge.
Because the replacement bridge is still conceptual, there will be future opportunities to discuss architectural elements, railings, viewpoints, interpretive features, preservation or reuse of portions of the existing bridge, and other ways to recognize the history of the bridge and Carbon River corridor.
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There is still a significant process ahead, but today provided important new information about the replacement concept, preliminary cost, environmental timeline, historic preservation process, and upcoming legislative milestone.
We will continue participating as a consulting party, working with our legislative partners, and sharing information with the community as it becomes available.
In service,
Jayme Peloli
Photo courtesy of Jeff Wolff Photography
