Editorial
Marianne Lincoln
Whether you call it O’Farrell or Fairfax, the bridge over the Carbon Canyon is closed. In the past few years, it became overwhelmingly obvious that it was becoming unstable. Frankly, I was surprised it took as long as it did to tag it. Yet with all the amazing history and beautiful scenery up there, it is surprising that there has been a lack of urgency to replace it.
I spent a lifetime visiting the Carbon Valley. I hiked to the Carbon Glacier with my freshman geology class. My family picnicked at the campground and loved to cross the river to visit Chenius Falls. We took out of state visitors there as well as Paradise and Sunrise. I drover through car scratching brush to Mowich Lake with a boyfriend before he became my second husband. That wildly adventurous second husband even flew his dad’s Super Cub under that bridge, before the trees got so tall. I was not around at that time, and he never flew after that. He did not mention if the FAA was involved in that decision. I suspect they were.
When it comes to a replacement, I am counting on this, and it needs to be equally pretty. The canyon deserves it. Legislators be it known I support this. My tax dollars will gladly go there.
There is a nice article here. And then this popped up on the Wilkeson Facebook page. I am really happy to see some support. My friends in Wilkeson and Carbonado deserve it so the tourists can come back. And do go see the handcar races, they are fun.
Jayme Peloli is a government relations consultant working with the Town of Wilkeson.
WILKESON LOCAL PROGRAMS FUNDING UPDATE
This week, the Local Programs contract for the Fairfax/Wilkeson/Carbon River SR 165 Bridge Closure Mitigation Project officially kicked off.
This funding was advanced through the Legislature’s transportation committees and appropriated during the last legislative session to help address the ongoing impacts of the bridge closure while long-term access is restored.
The closure has affected our entire area, but for those living beyond the bridge, the impact is different. It has changed how people get home, prepare for emergencies, receive services, and manage everyday life. That reality remains at the center of this work.
The project is focused on four main areas:
• Program Management & Implementation Support
• Temporary Access & Mobility Solutions
• Emergency Management & Operations Support
• Transportation Continuity, Operational Readiness & Implementation Planning
As Project Manager, my role is to coordinate implementation, keep the project moving, and bring together the Town, agencies, emergency responders, landowners, and other stakeholders involved in the work.
Funding timeline:
$1 million through June 30, 2027
The Legislature has stated its intent to provide an additional $1.5 million for the 2027–2029 biennium for the same purposes.
We are grateful for the considerable work that has gone into reaching this point and for the continued partnership of our state legislators, the Governor’s Office, WSDOT, Wilkeson Town Administration and Council, emergency responders, landowners, and community partners.
This funding is not a replacement for rebuilding the Fairfax Bridge. It is intended to help address the immediate and ongoing impacts of the closure while that larger, long-term effort continues.
With the contract now executed, the focus turns to implementation. I’ll continue sharing updates as the project moves forward.
In service,