‘Are we waiting for someone to die?’: Wilkeson Councilmember sounds alarm on bridge closures

The small Pierce County town of Wilkeson is reeling from two bridge closures. Earlier this year, the Fairfax Bridge closed permanently and last week a semi-truck crash temporarily closed the White River Bridge.

The local economy of Wilkeson is suffering as a result.

“For over 100 years, that Fairfax Bridge has been a lifeline for us,” Councilmember Jayme Peloli told “The Jason Rantz Show” on Seattle Red.

“Our small businesses rely on that Mount Rainier traveler visitation through Wilkeson… customer traffic’s just been dried up. And the economic survival of our town is at risk,” added Peloli.

When will the state step in?

Frustrated by the lack of response from officials outside of the town, Peloli would like Governor Bob Ferguson to issue an emergency declaration.

“I don’t see any other way for Governor Ferguson to move forward with an emergency proclamation, not just for Fairfax, but the entire corridor from here to the Green River Bridge because all of these areas cannot sustain this,” said a hopeful Peloli.

If the state continues to delay, Peloli believes that people’s lives could be at risk.

“No one’s died on that access road yet from those residents that live above Fairfax… but those gates that they have there and no access to 911—and 45-to-60-minute detours to get emergency services—are we waiting for someone to die before we get them help?”

Peloli started a petition to bring attention to the matter, which over 5000 people have signed so far.

Listen to the full conversation with Councilmember Peloli below.

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