Image: Erika Jartved, Cultus Lake Park Board Commissioner / The Swelter Creek pedestrian bridge replacement.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Pedestrian bridge replacement

Cultus Lake pedestrian bridge replacement comes with estimated $316,000 price tag

Nov 10, 2025 | 7:40 AM

CULTUS LAKE — The Sweltzer Creek pedestrian bridge replacement project whose on-site construction activities began this past week will cost an estimated $316,000.

According to a staff report dated October 15, 2025 from Todd McKay, manager of park operations, the pedestrian bridge crossing Sweltzer Creek near Main Beach is being replaced with a 100-foot clear-span aluminum bridge. Project parameters stated the bridge would be fabricated off site and transported and craned into place once the existing structure was removed.

McKay wrote in his report to the park board that the bridge was originally scheduled for installation in March 2025, but delays occurred due to permitting issues and incomplete engineering drawings. While those issues were resolved, the final engineering design triggered significant changes to the original scope.

The update design features a wider bridge than originally quoted, resulting in larger concrete abutments and additional aluminum structural material being required.

Image: Cultus Lake Park Board Commissioner Erika Jartved / The Swelter Creek pedestrian bridge replacement project at Cultus Lake.

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McKay said environmental permitting requires stream diversion to protect fish habitat during construction.

On top of design and permitting changes, material prices increased due to tariffs and market conditions.

The estimated price tag is $316,474.55.

Despite the increased costs and market conditions, McKay said the project stayed within the current approved budget.

Construction is expected to wrap up before November 20, just in time for the annual Cultus Lake Christmas event.