This is the second of six columns explaining how the Kummer Bridge crossing the Green River was built over a 16-month period between June 1932 and October 1933. The Highway 169 bridge is 155-feet above river level and connects Black Diamond to Enumclaw. There are 38 photos in the collection by Thomas Blum, a photographer and bridge inspector for King County. Last week’s column documented how techniques adapted from high-lead logging allowed thick steel cables to be strung across the 700-foot chasm where the bridge was erected.
This dramatic photo, looking south from the Black Diamond side towards Enumclaw shows the stretched cables spanning the canyon walls. Note the low flow of the Green River before autumn rains. Note the low flow of the Green River before autumn rains. This was before construction of the Howard Hanson Dam above Palmer-Kanaskat. The reservoir behind that dam not only provided drinking water for Tacoma, but also prevented winter flooding in the Kent Valley. Near the bottom of the photo is the start of a support tower which will rise hundreds of feet from river level and serve as an upright brace to steady the completed bridge.
On the Enumclaw or south side of the river, a truss comprised of steel beams in triangular units stand assembled. Below, excess soil has been excavated so the concrete foundation rests on solid rock atop the canyon wall. That truss rests on a concrete foundation rising 20 feet or so above the surrounding ground after loose soils were removed. Quality fill material will be imported to elevate the road section to bridge level. Next week’s photo in November 1933 will show the remarkable progress over a three-week period.
