Much Ado About The McMillin Bridge

The historic McMillin Bridge is set to be detroyed for being 'functionally obsolete'...the same designation the Skagit River Bridge enjoys. A recent story in the Tacoma News Tribune answered a lot of questions, but also raised several others.

Bob Peters is at the epicenter of the movement to save the McMillin Bridge.  He's pointed out the fact that the McMillin Bridge doesn't have to be torn down, but he's fighting a system in which the original permit issued included both the construction of a new bridge as well as the demolition of the McMillin Bridge.

"It doesn't have to be torn down." said Peters, a supporter of saving the McMillin bridge.  "The significance of this structure, it's history, its sturdiness all have value."  Peters' efforts to save the McMillin Bridge are starting to gain regional attention.

Editor's Note:  The McMillin Bridge's concrete construction is not 'hollow' as reported by KING 5 news.  Only the pier tubes the bridge is placed on are hollow

Technically, the McMillin Bridge is in unincorperated Pierce County.  However, it's served as the 'Gateway To Orting" unofficially since it was constructed 79 years ago by the legendary DOT designer Hmoer M. Hadley.

"We've the chance to save this structure that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  It doesn't have to be torn down.  The Foothills Trail could adapt it trail from the restricted flow of the railroad bridge to the McMillin Bridge and preserve this structure forever.  The new bridge is going to be constructed east of the McMillin Bridge and plans are to tear down the McMillin Bridge after the new one is opened.  Myself, and several people who see the significance of this structure, would like to see it put to better use."

So how can you help Orting?  According to Peters, the Corps of Engineers needs to hear from you. 

Added Peters, "The community has got to let them know they care for it, or current plans will continue.  Those plans include the destruction of the bridge."

Picture an entry into Orting where 162 bends slightly to the left over a new bridge into town.  You can see the McMillin Bridge being enjoyed by walkers, bikers, horseback riders.  The parking for the Trailhead has been expanded because of this new McMillin Bridge park that serves as the Gateway to Orting still.  Just imagine.