When I first moved to the Tri-Cities in 2007 and lived near Wellsian Way, I always wondered why there wasn't a bridge that stretched across that part of the highway.

Little did I know at the time, but the Duportail Bridge had been in the planning for several years.

Several years later, It looks like the bridge is nearing completion.

It's going to allow travel over the ravine into a bustling growing Queensgate commercial area including several businesses.

Here is the most current update from the City of Richland: 

The Duportail Bridge Project is progressing as anticipated and is still on track for completion this fall. With the bridge deck and approach slabs completed, the Contractor is continuing bridge barrier work, which will be followed by the bridge sidewalk. Water, electrical and communications conduits have all been installed underneath the bridge and are live now across the Yakima River. With the new water main connections made to the City’s reservoirs, the old section of concrete pipe has now been abandoned. Also, due to the underground electrical work being completed, the old overhead utility poles have been removed. Roadway connections at both ends of the bridge and Tanglewood Drive are being prepared for paving. The traffic signal installation at Duportail Street/Tanglewood Drive is also progressing.

It's been a long time coming and I can hardly wait to drive across that level and fresh pavement.

I don't know about you but I love driving on a new highway that has no bumps and is smooth as butter. You can check out more progress on the project here.

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