Two left lanes of northbound State Route 167 in Pacific, Washington, are closed indefinitely following a bridge strike. An over-height vehicle hit the bridge at 3rd Avenue Southwest on Tuesday evening, September 23, 2025. Commuters should expect significant delays, especially during Wednesday morning's rush hour, as traffic is limited to a single northbound lane.
Key Takeaways
- Northbound SR 167 has two left lanes closed at 3rd Avenue Southwest.
- An over-height vehicle struck the bridge on Tuesday evening.
- Traffic is restricted to one right lane in the northbound direction.
- WSDOT expects extensive backups for the Wednesday morning commute.
- Bridge inspectors are assessing the damage to determine repair plans.
Incident Details and Immediate Impact
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reported the incident on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The strike occurred when an over-height vehicle was passing underneath State Route 167 on 3rd Avenue. This area is located near the border of Pierce and King counties.
WSDOT quickly issued warnings about the expected traffic disruption. They advised drivers to prepare for significant delays. The agency confirmed that updates would be provided through their social media channels, specifically @WSDOT Traffic on X.
"Plan for extensive backups during the AM commute tomorrow (9/24)! Down to ONE lane in the northbound direction for a bridge strike," WSDOT stated on social media.
Incident Facts
- Date of Strike: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
- Location: Northbound SR 167 at 3rd Avenue Southwest, Pacific, WA
- Lanes Affected: Two left northbound lanes closed
- Current Traffic Flow: One right northbound lane open
Vehicle Information and Bridge Clearance
RB McKeon, a WSDOT spokesperson, confirmed that an over-height vehicle was involved. However, she could not specify if the vehicle's height itself was the problem or if it was due to something the vehicle was carrying. The type of vehicle that struck the bridge also remains unknown.
McKeon emphasized that the clearance height for the bridge is clearly posted. This information is available for all drivers. Bridge strikes by over-height vehicles are a known issue on highways with overhead structures.
Bridge Safety Protocols
Bridge clearances are typically marked with signs indicating the maximum height allowed. Drivers of commercial vehicles and those transporting oversized loads are responsible for knowing their vehicle's height and planning routes accordingly. Ignoring these posted limits can lead to severe structural damage and safety risks.
Bridge Inspection and Safety Assessment
Following the strike, bridge inspectors were called to the scene. Their immediate advice led to the closure of the affected lanes. Inspectors are currently assessing the extent of the damage to the bridge structure. They will determine the necessary next steps, which could include repairs or even replacement of certain sections.
The most recent inspection of the bridge occurred in May, just a few months before this incident. Regular inspections help ensure the structural integrity of bridges and identify potential issues early.
Ongoing Safety Measures
WSDOT spokesperson McKeon addressed concerns about keeping part of the bridge open. She explained that bridge engineers would order a full closure if they deemed it unsafe for travel, even with reduced capacity. Since one northbound lane remains open, it indicates their assessment concluded it was safe for limited traffic flow.
The decision to keep one lane open is based on engineering evaluations. These evaluations consider structural integrity and immediate risks. The safety of the traveling public is the primary concern for WSDOT engineers.
Traffic Backups and Future Closures
By Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m., the bridge strike had caused traffic backups extending several miles. This disruption highlights the impact such incidents have on daily commutes and regional transportation networks. With only one lane open northbound, similar long delays are expected throughout the coming days.
WSDOT bridge engineers anticipate that it will take a couple of days to fully determine the damaged parts of the bridge. They will then formulate a plan for repair work. The current lane closures will remain in effect during this planning phase. Depending on the repair strategy, additional closures may be necessary in the future.
- Expected Commute Impact: Extensive backups during morning and evening rush hours.
- Duration of Closures: Indefinite, pending damage assessment and repair planning.
- Future Considerations: More closures possible depending on repair scope.
Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes or consider adjusting their travel times. WSDOT will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the bridge's condition and repair timeline.
