The American Alpine Institute just received the following email from North Cascades National Park.

The National Park Service will be conducting erosion control and abutment work on Tumwater Bridge along the Stehekin Valley Road in North Cascades National Park. The construction will temporarily close the Stehekin Valley Road to all vehicle traffic above Tumwater Campground on weekdays beginning Monday, July 26, 2010. The bridge will remain open to hikers, bicycles and stock and will open to vehicle traffic on Saturdays and Sundays. Work is expected to be ongoing through mid-August.

Tumwater Bridge endured flood damage and erosion during the 2003 flood. Subsequent floods and high water events have further eroded the bridge approaches and abutments. This work will stabilize the bridge approaches and ensure continued access to this portion of the Stehekin Valley. The total project cost is $319,000 with 46% of the work going to local businesses.

Tumwater Bridge is located 12.3 miles from the Stehekin Landing on the Stehekin Valley Road. This construction will not affect the Stehekin Shuttle service between Stehekin and High Bridge or the Old Wagon Trail (Pacific Crest Trail) trailhead at High Bridge. Tumwater Campground, located at 12.1 miles from the Landing, will remain open during the project.

Photos of the erosion on Tumwater Bridge can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/northcascadesnationalpark/4815774201/