Planning study news
WSDOT would like to thank the community for joining us on Thursday, Aug. 21 at the White River Early Learning Center in Buckley to discuss the draft study report from the SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge Planning Study. The planning study evaluated seven options to address access across the Carbon River Canyon following the closure of the 104 year-old Fairfax Bridge. The draft study report identifies two of these options for advancement into preliminary engineering and environmental review.
WSDOT welcomes feedback from all interested parties on the study recommendations and report content. Please e-mail your feedback by September 24, 2025 to the study team at SR165FairfaxBridgeStudy@wsdot.wa.gov.
A draft of the study report is available to view in the Purpose section.
WSDOT initiated a study of the State Route 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge over the Carbon River Canyon this spring following the closure of the 103-year-old bridge. The bridge was closed due to advanced deterioration in the steel supporting members of the bridge. In-person open houses were held on Monday, June 2 in Carbonado and Wednesday, June 11 in Wilkeson. An online open house was held from May 28 through June 17.
Purpose
Draft study report:
News Release:
Background
On Tuesday, April 22, WSDOT permanently closed the SR 165 Carbon River Fairfax Bridge to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Preliminary findings from recent inspections of the bridge revealed new deterioration of steel supports of the more than century-old span. The closure has created challenges for anyone who used the bridge. The data driven study will develop recommendations to address the current bridge condition. During the study, WSDOT will work with local community representatives and government leaders.
For over a century, the bridge has provided access across the Carbon River Canyon for residents, businesses and visitors. This includes nearby communities of Carbonado, Wilkeson and other east Pierce County communities via SR 410 and SR 162.
The bridge provided access to Mount Rainier National Park campgrounds, hiking trails and the 93-mile-long Wonderland Trail. The bridge also provided access to other recreational activities outside the national park. SR 165, which crosses the bridge, is the only state highway leading to this area.
- The State Route 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge opened to travelers on December 17, 1921.
- In April 2009, loads exceeding 12 feet wide were prohibited.
- In May of 2013, the bridge had the following truck restriction implemented:
- Truck-25 Tons,
- Truck/Semitrailer-36 Tons,
- Truck/Trailer-40 Tons.
- Single axle NTE 20,000 and Tandem axles NTE 34,000.
- Inspection in fall 2023 revealed a broken deck panel. Crews placed a steel plate over the deck panel to help maintain traffic until a more permanent repair occurred in May 2024.
- Inspections in spring 2024 revealed advanced deterioration in primary and secondary steel supporting members. Those inspections led WSDOT to reduce the weight limit on the bridge to 8 tons/16,000 pounds.
- In March 2025, WSDOT Bridge Preservation inspected the bridge.
- April 14, 2025, WSDOT closed the bridge based on preliminary findings from recent inspections of the bridge revealed new deterioration of steel supports on the bridge.
- April 22, 2025, WSDOT permanently closed the bridge to all bicycle, pedestrian and vehicle traffic following additional inspections of the steel supports and bridge columns.
- Read more about the SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge on the WSDOT Blog.