KITTITAS COUNTY, Wash. – An emergency contractor will demolish the Bullfrog Road overpass after it was severely damaged when an oversized truck load struck the bridge earlier this week, state officials said Thursday.
What we know:
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) said demolition is scheduled to begin Thursday, Oct. 23, with one eastbound lane of I-90 closed from 6 p.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25.
Westbound I-90 lanes, which have been closed since the crash, are expected to reopen early next week. Drivers are being detoured around the closure at Exit 80 near Cle Elum.
Governor issues emergency proclamation
What they’re saying:
Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Wednesday that he signed an emergency proclamation to speed up the response.
“I signed an emergency proclamation today on the Bullfrog Road overpass that was severely damaged by a strike, closing the westbound lanes of I-90 underneath,” Ferguson wrote on X. “The proclamation allows us to seek federal funds and enter into an emergency contract to start work as quickly as possible. Our first priority is getting westbound I-90 reopened.”
The emergency order allows state transportation officials to bypass the normal bidding process and seek federal reimbursement for the repair work.
Westbound I-90 remains closed; detour in place
What you can do:
Westbound lanes of I-90 were closed Tuesday night after the overpass was hit by an oversized load at about 10:30 p.m., according to the Washington State Patrol. Crews have since been assessing the structure and preparing for demolition.
Drivers heading west are being directed off the freeway at Exit 80 to use the off- and on-ramps to rejoin I-90 beyond the closure.
Eastbound traffic remains open with delays expected during the demolition period.
Is I-90 closed? Here’s what we know
Here’s what WSDOT wants travelers to know about the closure and damage to the Bullfrog Road overpass.
- The Bullfrog Road overpass is closed.
- To keep I-90 traffic moving, travelers on Bullfrog Road cannot access the westbound on-ramp to I-90.
- Eastbound I-90 travers going to Suncadia/Roslyn area need to use exit 85 to State Route 903.
- Travelers on westbound I-90 needing access to south Bullfrog Road and Leisure Lane will detour to exit 78 and go east on I-90 to exit 80.
Investigation ongoing
What’s next:
The Washington State Patrol continues to investigate the incident. Photos and video shared by troopers show a large section missing from the bridge and debris scattered across the roadway below. No injuries were reported.
Once the damaged overpass is demolished and debris cleared, WSDOT crews will work to reopen westbound I-90 lanes. No timeline has been announced for rebuilding the Bullfrog Road bridge.
Officials urged drivers to plan for delays, follow detour signs, and check real-time updates on the Snoqualmie Pass X account.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
Black Lives Matter mural vandalized in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood
Nearly 1,000 Starbucks workers in Seattle, Kent to be laid off
First WA snow of the season to hit this week. Here’s where
Teen found hiding in closet after 2 people found dead in Pierce County home
Suspected DUI driver crashes into Pierce County deputy, arrested
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
The Source: Information in this story came from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Washington State Patrol (WSP).
