All Lanes Reopen on I-90 Near Cle Elum After Bullfrog Road Overpass Demolition
Key Takeaways
- Emergency demolition restored I-90 traffic flow after a semi-truck struck the Bullfrog Road overpass, underscoring the importance of bridge maintenance and rapid response protocols.
- Temporary closures and detours are in effect, impacting traffic and demonstrating the need for strategic traffic management in road construction and infrastructure projects.
- Replacement overpass design is underway, with potential funding and policy implications, including proposed legislation to hold drivers accountable for damage to bridges and critical transportation infrastructure.
All lanes on Interstate-90 near Cle Elum, Washington, have reopened following emergency demolition work on the Bullfrog Road overpass after it was struck by an over-height load.
A semi-truck carrying the oversized load hit the overpass on Oct. 21, causing extensive damage that led transportation officials to deem the overpass unsafe and requiring its immediate removal, according to a news release from the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Rapid Emergency Response Restores Travel
WSDOT-hired crews worked nonstop for more than 22 hours to remove the damaged overpass and reopen the westbound lanes situated under the overpass by Oct. 24, the release states.
Despite the reopening, debris remains on the roadway and temporary protective structures have been installed to safeguard the traveling public and guardrail from flying rocks, WSDOT South Central Region Administrator Brian White told KOMO News.
Traffic Detours and Motorist Guidance
The Bullfrog Road overpass remains closed, with the westbound section removed. Travelers on eastbound I-90 toward the Suncadia/Roslyn area are detoured to exit 85 onto State Route 903. Westbound motorists needing access to south Bullfrog Road and Leisure Lane must take exit 78 and travel east on I-90 to exit 80, WSDOT shared.
Closures and detours are creating traffic congestion of 30 minutes to an hour, with potential weather-related delays impacting road safety and project timelines, KOMO News reported.
Government Response and Bridge Replacement Plans
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency, enabling the state to request federal funding and accelerate emergency contracts. KOMO News reported that the trucking company may be required to reimburse the state for repair costs.
A replacement overpass is currently in the design phase, and drivers should anticipate temporary highway closures during construction. WSDOT will provide updated construction timelines to ensure public safety and minimize disruption.
In response to a series of bridge strikes in Washington, Kings County Councilmember Reagan Dunn is proposing the “stupid motorist law” to hold truck drivers accountable for damaging bridges. Since August, four bridges have been struck in the state, reinforcing the need for transportation safety measures and enforcement strategies to protect critical infrastructure.