Governor Ferguson update on westbound I-90 after removal of damaged Bullfrog Road overpass

I-90 will remain open until overpass construction begins, requiring limited closures

CLE ELUM -Governor Bob Ferguson is updating drivers on what to expect as the Washington State Department of Transportation plans to replace part of an overpass on westbound Interstate 90, a process likely to take several months.

Westbound I-90 re-opened ahead of schedule on Friday, after an over-height load damaged an overpass at Bullfrog Road near Cle Elum the night of Tuesday, Oct. 21. Contractor crews hired by the Washington State Department of Transportation worked nonstop over a 22-hour period under an emergency contract to remove the damaged portion of the overpass and reopen westbound I-90.

Westbound lanes will remain open until WSDOT replaces the overpass, which will require full closures of westbound I-90 on a limited basis. That is expected to occur primarily at night, with daytime closures only as needed. An updated timeline is expected in December.

"Thank you to the WSDOT crews and contractors who moved quickly to reopen westbound I-90," Governor Ferguson said. "Our work to repair the damage is just beginning. The loss of this overpass severely impacts the Cle Elum, Roslyn and the Suncadia area. We will work as quickly as possible to replace this vital connection for the community. We've seen too many bridge strikes - and their impacts on local communities - in the last few months. They are preventable, and we are working on strategies to reduce them."

Approximately 17,000 vehicles travel this section of I-90 daily, with about 1,500 crossing the overpass each day. This is the fourth time since August that WSDOT has had to close a bridge or overpass while repairs are made due to an oversized vehicle strike.

What's next?

WSDOT engineers are currently designing the repair for this section of the overpass. Engineers will select a solution that allows for rapid construction of the new span.

Governor Ferguson's emergency proclamation allows the state to seek federal funds for reimbursement. In order to remain eligible for those funds, the state must work with the Federal Highway Administration. FHWA is largely operational during the federal government shutdown, and we do not currently anticipate delays in that work.

Fall and winter are challenging times for road construction. When the design is finalized, WSDOT will look at weather and design needs and expects to share more information in December.

Once construction is underway, travelers can expect to see full closures of westbound I-90, with traffic detoured over the on- and off-ramps at those times. WSDOT anticipates crews will be able to install the girders using overnight closures, and WSDOT will update travelers in advance.

The state will also seek reimbursement for damage and repair costs from the truck operator or other responsible parties. The Washington State Patrol stopped the driver, and WSP's Commercial Vehicle Services Division is investigating.

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