State Department of Transportation contractor crews began preservation painting work on the Highway 101 Riverside Bridge over the Hoquiam River Monday.

Crews expect to maintain two lanes of travel during painting operations because most of the work takes place below deck, away from travelers. Occasional lane closures may happen during daytime hours along the westbound highway as crews move equipment and work in phases. Marine travelers can expect minimal delays.

Panther Industrial Painting crews will install a containment system beneath the bridge approaches to comply with environmental regulations for the project. The 465-foot-long lift bridge needs a new protective coat around the steel girders that support the roadway above, according to the Department of Transportation

“The bridge approach spans have the greatest need for a fresh coat of paint,” said Project Engineer Karen Boone. “Additional work, including repainting the towers and maintaining the lift spans will need to be done at a later date.”

Work should wrap up in late summer. Funding for this $955,000 project comes from state Department of Transportation Connecting Washington funds.

The bridge was built in 1970. General maintenance to the lift span is also part of the improvements planned for the bridge, but have been deferred pending Coast Guard approval. A third project to mechanically rehabilitate the elevator space is expected to be advertised for bids this fall.