During a recent government meeting, Ann Warmond, a representative from unincorporated Thurston County, raised urgent concerns regarding the safety and accessibility of five critical bridges in her area. Warmond highlighted that the current load ratings for these bridges have been set too low, jeopardizing essential services, particularly fire response capabilities.

Warmond detailed the demographics affected by the bridge ratings, noting that approximately 30 households rely on the bridges for access to vital services. Specifically, she pointed out that the Mossman Bridge and Matthews Bridge serve as the only access points for some residents, making their functionality crucial. The bridges in question include the Mossman Bridge, which serves ten households and a significant business, and the Matthews Bridge, which serves seven to nine households.

The representative emphasized that recent assessments conducted between August and November 2023 revealed that the bridges are unable to support the weight of emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, which are critical during the current fire season. This situation poses a significant risk to the safety and well-being of the community, as the inability to transport emergency services could have dire consequences.

Warmond's testimony underscores the pressing need for a reevaluation of the bridge ratings and the potential for immediate action to ensure that essential services can safely access the community. The discussion reflects broader concerns about infrastructure safety and community resilience in the face of emergencies.