Due to the ongoing structural problems associated with the Howard Hanson Dam (discussed here, here, and here), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to release more water than usual into the Green River this winter. As a result, the possibility of downstream flooding is considerably greater than in years past.
The Washington State Department of Transportation is taking steps now to prevent disruptions to those state highways in Tukwila, Renton, Kent, and Auburn that would likely be affected by potential floodwaters. For instance, Contractors have begun placing sandbags (backed by concrete barriers) along a 1/3 mile stretch of Highway 167 just north of S. 277th Street in Kent. This Saturday, bridge and maintenance crews will be reinforcing a bridge pier on SR 18. (According to WSDOT, these reinforcements are preventative in nature; the bridge is in no immediate danger.) WSDOT will also be working in the coming weeks to protect signal cabinets from possible flooding.
For more information on WSDOT’s efforts, click here.
