Pedestrian bridge to be closed

An old Washington State University pedestrian bridge that connects the Stephenson towers, the school's largest residence complex, with the heart of campus will be closed indefinitely starting Monday.

"This is just a case of a bridge that's beyond the end of its useful life," said Ev Davis, assistant vice president of WSU Facilities Operations. "With the amount of deterioration that's occurred on the bridge we thought it was best for public safety to close the bridge and explore further options."

The 47-year-old bridge over Stadium Way has been regularly inspected for years, and Davis said there is no imminent danger of it collapsing.

However, Davis said, "The closure is going to have a significant impact on Stadium Way. There will be a lot of pedestrian traffic on the ground."

Davis suggested students use the other sky bridges because too many pedestrians in the crosswalk will back up traffic. Drivers are encouraged to take alternative routes as well. Those coming from Moscow can take Airport Road, those coming from Pullman can come up Stadium Way from North Grand Avenue.

"We're concerned about the impact of traffic backing up Highway 270," said Mike Leonas, director of design services. "Even in the best circumstances this is going to have an impact."

Leonas said the university is in conversations with the city of Pullman to manage the traffic.

Engineers are currently surveying the bridge, known officially as the Nevada Street bridge, to record the number of vehicles and pedestrians that will be affected.

The long-term plan is to tear down the bridge and build a new one, but WSU officials will first need to look at the campus master plan and consider how the area will be developed in the future.

Estelle Gwinn can be reached at (208) 882-5561, ext. 301, or by email to egwinn@dnews.com.