Fox Island Bridge Replacement: What Homeowners and Buyers Need to Know

Fox Island Bridge Replacement: What Buyers Should Know

If you’re considering buying on Fox Island, you may hear concerns about the Fox Island Bridge being replaced. Here are the facts you actually need to make an informed decision.

The existing Fox Island Bridge was built in 1954 and is the only vehicular access to the island. Pierce County engineers have confirmed the bridge is nearing the end of its useful life due to age, seismic vulnerability, and rising maintenance costs. Because of this, Pierce County completed a formal engineering and planning study in January 2026 to determine how the bridge should eventually be replaced.

This is not an emergency project and it is not happening soon. Replacement is planned years in advance to avoid future access problems.

After studying multiple options, including ferries and tunnels, the County identified a replacement bridge as the most practical solution. The option with the strongest public and engineering support is a new bridge approximately 2,000 feet long, located just east of the current bridge. This option is favored because it is the lowest cost, preserves boat access, minimizes disruption, and allows island access to remain open during construction.

Timing

Construction is not imminent. The project still requires environmental review, funding approval, final design, and property acquisition. Based on the County’s own planning assumptions, construction is realistically expected around 2030–2032. Buyers purchasing now are unlikely to experience construction impacts for several years.

Access During Construction

All replacement options are required to maintain access to and from Fox Island throughout construction. The island will not be cut off.

Cost to Buyers and Homeowners

There is no finalized funding plan yet. However, there are no tolls proposed, and nothing in the study indicates tolling is planned.

If a local levy were to pass—one of several possible funding tools—the expected cost to a homeowner is estimated to be in the range of $100 to $300 per year, spread over many years. Large infrastructure projects like this are typically funded through a mix of federal grants, state transportation funds, and county resources, which helps limit local impact.

This is not expected to result in a large upfront assessment or sudden tax spike.

Impact on Property Values

Infrastructure replacement generally supports long-term property values by reducing risk and ensuring reliable access. A modern, seismically sound bridge is viewed favorably by buyers, lenders, and insurers.

Bottom Line for Buyers

• Bridge replacement is planned, not rushed

• Construction is still several years away

• No tolls are proposed

• Expected levy impact, if approved, is modest

• Long-term access and safety are being strengthened, not threatened

Source

Pierce County Planning & Public Works
Fox Island Bridge: Type, Size, and Location Study
Final Report, January 21, 2026