PASCO, Wash. – In East Pasco, cars have been traversing the Lewis Street overpass above the BNSF Railway tracks since spring of last year. However, beneath the railway, there’s still significant work to be done.
The underpass, which the bridge replaced, remains underground, filled with dirt and gravel. A state award will cover the $3.5 million project to demolish it.
Demolition of the underpass is expected to begin next year. The city has been awarded the necessary funds, though they have not yet contracted the work. Public Works Director Maria Serra explained the situation.
“It is likely that based on the demographics of the City of Pasco, it will be forgivable, which effectively works as a grant. So that is great news for all Pasco residents,” Serra said.
Serra mentioned that any repayment required by the city would be covered by local taxpayer funds, either general or excise tax, not utility funds.
Once the funds are contracted, designing the demolition will take approximately six months, with the demolition itself expected to be relatively quick. The city aims to complete the work by the end of 2026.
The good news for residents is that there should not be any impacts on traffic on or near Lewis Street during the demolition process.
