ENUMCLAW, WA — The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has permanently closed the Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge on State Route 165 in eastern Pierce County, citing safety concerns following the discovery of severe structural deterioration.
WSDOT officials initially closed the 103-year-old bridge on April 15 after inspections revealed significant deterioration of the steel supports. Additional engineering assessments confirmed that the aging structure could no longer safely support traffic, prompting the final decision to permanently close the bridge.
The Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge served as a key route to the Mowich Lake Entrance and the Carbon River Ranger Station of Mount Rainier National Park. With the closure, there is currently no public access from SR 165 to those areas.
WSDOT shared inspection photos that illustrate the extent of the damage. According to the agency, the bridge’s condition had worsened since its last inspection, making continued use unsafe for motorists and pedestrians.
No timeline has been announced for potential replacement or alternative access. WSDOT stated that safety remains the top priority and further updates will be provided as plans develop.
For ongoing updates, visit wsdot.wa.gov.