Council to submit comments on bridge replacement after public concern about flood impacts; pier construction bids moving forward

Council members reported progress toward letting a bid for bridge work and discussed community concerns about how bridge design could affect water flow during floods. Council members said three contractors visited the site and expressed interest in the bridge work and that a local engineer had been asked for a price to prepare bid documents and specifications.

The discussion also covered a recent public comment process led by the U.S. Coast Guard. Council members said the Coast Guard comment record contains numerous submissions about how bridge clearance and pier design could restrict river flow during high water. The council asked city staff to collaborate with local stakeholders and attorney Tom Doherty to prepare and submit formal comments expressing Rainier’s concerns about potential restrictions of river flow and clearance dimensions.

Council members said they expect competing bidders for pier/bridge work and that obtaining multiple bids could improve pricing. Staff were asked to report back with dates and price estimates at the next council meeting. No final contract was awarded at this meeting.

Separately, council members discussed practical construction logistics for a beach dock project: storage for timbers, temporary power needs for tools, and plans to stage materials near Diane Eaton’s alleyway. Staff said they would coordinate temporary power arrangements with Minnesota Power or seek permission to tap local supply for saws and battery charging during the work period.