This is the fifth of six columns showcasing construction of the Kummer Bridge which carries Highway 169 across the Green River. It was built between June 1932 and October 1933 to provide a more direct route between Black Diamond and Enumclaw. Prior to that, vehicles crossed either the Green River Gorge Bridge at Franklin or the Whitney Bridge near Flaming Geyser. As railroads waned in importance new roads and bridges for autos and trucks were constructed to provide improved highway routes.
Originally called the Kummer Cut-off Bridge, it is now officially known as the Dan Evans – Green River Bridge, though often called the Hwy 169 or High Bridge. It stands 155 feet above the river, with a 28-foot width, and 688-foot span. It was built over 16 months. According to a Nov. 13, 1932 Seattle Times story, the bridge would contain 635 ton of structural steel and 1,100 cubic yards of concrete.
The truss system of steel beams, connected by pins and rivets and reinforced with stringers, braces, and struts is complete. Work next commenced on the bridge deck, comprised of reinforced concrete, railings, and a narrow sidewalk. While the bridge portion was finished in about eight months, it would take another eight months to build and pour the decking. As seen in this Jan. 1933 photo looking south from the Black Diamond side, the bridge section to the lower right, still needs connecting to the mainland.
This photo like others in this series was taken by Thomas Blum, a licensed surveyor who also served as bridge inspector for King County from 1924 – 1934. During the early 1930s, Blum traveled throughout the county inspecting and photographing bridges. He had an artist’s eye for detail and photographed hundreds of the county bridges he inspected. The completed bridge is the subject of next week’s photo, where we will learn more about Thomas Blum.
