Rep. David Stuebe: No more delays: The Camas Slough Bridge must be replaced
I know many in our community were disappointed to learn that funding to replace the Camas Slough Bridge was not included in this year’s transportation budget. I share that disappointment.
This project has been – and will continue to be – one of my top priorities in Olympia. The bridge is outdated, narrow, and increasingly dangerous. For the thousands of drivers who rely on it every day, that’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a serious safety concern.
The Slough Bridge is now 62 years old, and in its current state, it is barely serviceable. Today, it carries roughly 30,000 vehicles per day, including commuters, freight, and families traveling through our region. It’s a critical link between Camas, Washougal, and the greater Vancouver area. It also serves as a key evacuation route during wildfires and other emergencies in the Columbia River Gorge.
Simply put, this bridge is too important to ignore. However, despite broad recognition of the problem, the Legislature chose not to invest the $125 million needed to widen and modernize this structure. Frankly, that’s unacceptable.
Across Washington, we’re seeing the consequences of decades of underinvestment in infrastructure. A recent national report ranked our state among the worst in the country for road and bridge conditions. It’s embarrassing. We must do better.
To be fair, the Legislature did approve significant funding for road preservation and maintenance statewide. Those investments matter, and I supported efforts to ensure our transportation system remains functional.
However, I voted against the final version of the supplemental transportation budget because too many important projects, including the Slough Bridge, were left out. Preservation alone is not enough, especially when it comes to a bridge like this one.
The Washington State Department of Transportation plans to repave the Slough Bridge this summer. While I appreciate that work, it is, at best, a temporary fix. As I’ve said before, it’s a bandage on a much larger problem.
We need a new bridge, and we need it sooner rather than later.
The good news is that progress is being made behind the scenes. Transportation leaders and budget writers now understand just how urgent this issue is. They’ve visited the site, heard from local leaders, and seen firsthand the risks and limitations of the current structure.
They all know it’s a priority. The challenge now is securing the funding to match that understanding. I won’t stop pushing until we get there. Improving this bridge will be one of my top priorities during the Legislature’s next full session.
This isn’t just about traffic congestion, though that alone is a daily frustration for many. It’s about public safety, economic vitality, and the long-term future of our community. A new, wider, seismically resilient bridge would improve travel reliability, support local businesses, and provide a safer corridor for everyone who depends on Highway 14.
I remain committed to fighting for solutions that reflect our community’s needs. While we didn’t get everything we hoped for this session, I will keep working to shape future budgets and policies so they better serve the people I represent.
The Camas Slough Bridge is not just another line item – it’s a lifeline for our region. And it’s time we treated it that way.
Rep. David Stuebe, R-Washougal, represents Washington’s 17th Legislative District.
