Interstate 182 Bridge, Interstate bridge in Pasco and Richland, United States
The Interstate 182 Bridge, officially the Lee–Volpentest Bridges, is a pair of post-tensioned cast-in-place concrete bridges over the Columbia River between Pasco and Richland. The westbound span opened in 1984 and the eastbound span in 1986. It was the first bridge in Washington built with this concrete method, poured outward from each bank.
Construction began in 1981 and replaced a ferry service that had operated at this location since the late 1800s. The bridge created a direct land connection that changed how the two communities were connected.
The bridge received its name from Glenn C. Lee, a local newspaper publisher, and Sam Volpentest, a businessman who advocated for regional transportation improvements.
The bridge carries heavy daily traffic and is part of a major regional route. A dedicated path lets walkers and cyclists cross safely, separated from vehicle lanes.
On May 17, 1983, a crane collapsed during construction and killed a foreman, John K. Seward. Fellow workers unofficially dedicated the bridge to him as the John K. Seward Memorial Bridge, and a plaque was installed instead of naming the bridge after him.
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