ARLINGTON — A tiny neighborhood near the Cicero pedestrian bridge is sleeping easier these days, particularly as the new storm season approaches.
Last week, in response to complaints from people living near the bridge, Snohomish County removed a logjam that had formed at the base of the bridge.
Earlier this year, Snohomish County spent $437,000 of taxpayers’ money replacing one of the two wooden piers that support the bridge, which spans the North Fork Stillaguamish River, seven miles east of Arlington.
Neighbors complained that the repairs could have proved a waste of money because logs that had washed up against the bridge would probably damage it again during winter storms.
At the time, Marc Krandel, Snohomish County Parks and Recreation planning supervisor, said the county didn’t plan to move the logs, largely because he didn’t think they posed any threat to the bridge.
Larry Brewer, a project manager with Snohomish County Public Works, said residents’ concerns influenced the county’s recent decision to spend between $6,000 and $10,000 to remove the logjam.
“As a county, we always try to be responsive to both citizen inquiries and concerns from citizens,” said Tom Teigen, the county Parks and Recreation director. “There must have been a value judgment made on behalf of the staff that went out and viewed the site to go out and move the logs out.”
Margaret James, who lives near the bridge, is thankful that county crews finally hauled the logs away.
“Removal will increase the safety of fishermen, boaters and swimmers in that area,” she said. “Removal will also take pressure off the older weakened foundation on the west side of the bridge. … We suggest that the county officials talk to longtime residents who have observed the old bridge for generations and know the history.”
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