The Vidette

The removal of fish barriers along State Route 8 likely will see the highway impacted for about 2 years. Those most impacted by the changes will be the residents of McCleary and commuters traveling past the city.

In order to accommodate construction and ensure safety, the west exit to the city of McCleary at Elma McCleary Road will be closed for the duration of the project.

Last month, a bid for construction was awarded to Ceccanti Inc. of Tacoma at a little more than $10.7 million. The total project will cost some $17 million.

The project will enhance fish passages where State Route 8 crosses Wildcat Creek. The existing 20-foot span, 25-foot-tall, 126-foot-long concrete two-sided fish passages will be replaced with two bridges each, 110 feet in length. In total, two culverts will be replaced with four bridges. The replacement will provide the minimum recommended 38-foot span over the creek channel.

According to the state Department of Transportation, the project is necessary to comply with a 2013 federal injunction that requires the state to correct fish barriers in water resource inventory areas.

Construction will begin in April.

During the two years of construction, State Route 8 will be reduced to one lane in each direction at all times.