Bill > SB5248

This bill creates a vessel bridge collision work group composed of representatives from various transportation, maritime, government, and emergency management organizations to comprehensively review and provide recommendations for preventing and mitigating potential bridge collisions by large commercial vessels. The work group will specifically examine Washington state bridges vulnerable to collisions from vessels over 1,300 gross tons or exceeding 200 feet in length, and develop near, medium, and long-term recommendations with cost estimates. Members will include representatives from Washington and Oregon transportation departments, Columbia and Puget Sound pilots, the board of pilotage commissioners, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state emergency management division, and local government emergency planners. The group is required to submit a report to legislative transportation committees by July 1, 2026, with most members participating without travel reimbursement. The Washington State Department of Transportation and Emergency Management Division will provide administrative support, and the work group may hire consultants as resources allow. The bill includes an expiration date of December 31, 2026, after which the work group will be dissolved.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5248&Year=2025&Initiative=false