Travelers on westbound Interstate 90 near Cle Elum, Washington, should prepare for several months of disruptions following a bridge strike on October 21st. State officials have confirmed that repairs to the Bullfrog Road overpass, which was damaged by an oversize truck, will be a lengthy process involving periodic lane closures on the major east-west corridor.
The incident has prompted an emergency proclamation from the governor's office as state agencies begin the complex task of repairing the vital community connection.
Key Takeaways
- Repairs to the I-90 Bullfrog overpass are expected to last several months.
- The damage was caused by an oversize truck that failed to follow its permitted route.
- Periodic nighttime closures of westbound I-90 will be necessary for construction.
- The route is a critical artery, serving approximately 17,000 westbound vehicles daily.
Months of Disruption for Major Washington Route
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has outlined a multi-month timeline for the full repair of the Bullfrog Road overpass. While a more detailed project schedule is anticipated in December, the initial assessment confirms a long road ahead for commuters and freight haulers.
To facilitate the complex repair work, crews will need to periodically close westbound I-90. Officials plan to conduct most of this construction during overnight hours to minimize the impact on peak travel times. However, delays are still expected.
By the Numbers: I-90 Traffic Impact
- Westbound I-90: Approximately 17,000 vehicles per day.
- Bullfrog Road Overpass: Roughly 1,500 vehicles per day.
The significance of the route cannot be overstated. "I-90 is one of the busiest routes in the state for east-to-west transportation," said Meagan Lott, a communications manager for WSDOT. "It is going to have an impact on drivers, specifically if you’re trying to get somewhere in a timely manner."
Anatomy of a Preventable Collision
The incident on October 21st was not an unavoidable accident. The driver of the oversize load, identified as 64-year-old Canadian trucker Allan Bergsma, possessed a valid permit for his haul. However, the permit included specific instructions to avoid low-clearance structures.
According to investigators, the permit required Bergsma to exit I-90 at Exit 80 to bypass the Bullfrog overpass, re-entering the interstate further down the road. This crucial step was missed, leading to the collision. Bergsma has since been cited for permit violations.
The Importance of Permitted Routes
State transportation agencies issue special permits for oversize and overweight loads. These permits carefully map out a route that avoids infrastructure with height, weight, or width restrictions. Failure to adhere to the specified route can lead to catastrophic damage to bridges, overpasses, and roads, as well as significant safety risks.
The state is now seeking reimbursement for the costly repairs from the driver and any other responsible parties. Governor Bob Ferguson has issued an emergency proclamation, a move that helps expedite the repair process and opens avenues for potential federal funding assistance.
State Officials Address Growing Bridge Strike Problem
Following the collision, WSDOT crews and contractors worked for 22 consecutive hours to remove damaged sections of the overpass and safely reopen the westbound lanes of I-90. Governor Ferguson commended their swift action.
"Thank you to the WSDOT crews and contractors who moved quickly to reopen westbound I-90," the governor stated. "Our work to repair the damage is just beginning."
The governor also highlighted a troubling trend of avoidable infrastructure damage.
"We’ve seen too many bridge strikes — and their impacts on local communities — in the last few months," Ferguson said. "They are preventable, and we are working on strategies to reduce them."
The loss of the overpass directly affects the communities of Cle Elum, Roslyn, and the Suncadia area, which rely on the connection for daily travel. Officials have pledged to work as quickly as possible to restore the link.
"The loss of this overpass severely impacts the Cle Elum, Roslyn, and the Suncadia area," Ferguson added. "We will work as quickly as possible to replace this vital connection for the community."
Drivers planning to travel on westbound I-90 through Kittitas County are advised to check WSDOT travel alerts for the latest information on construction schedules and potential closures in the coming months.
