UPDATE: Westbound Interstate 90 near Cle Elum, Washington, reopened Friday evening after a semi truck carrying an oversized load struck the Bullfrog Road overpass Tuesday night, creating a westbound I-90 closure. As of Friday morning, that portion of the overpass over I-90 was demolished because the damage was too extensive to repair. RVers and other travelers should plan for upcoming detours and potential delays when the overpass is replaced, which is yet to be determined.
Photos from the scene show broken concrete and what appears to be rebar hanging where the overpass was hit. Debris from the impact blocks the westbound lanes, forcing drivers to take a detour using Exit 80 to bypass the closure and re-enter I-90 west of the overpass.
“Significant backups” in I-90 overpass closure in Washington
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is urging travelers to plan for significant backups. About 17,000 vehicles travel this stretch of I-90 each day, with roughly 1,500 crossing the overpass daily. RVers without a detour could face long waits, making it important to follow RV detour routes on I-90 Washington.
Forget “three strikes” — This is the fourth since August
This incident is the fourth WSDOT bridge or overpass strike since August, and three of the previous strikes involved oversized vehicles. Crews arrived Wednesday to assess the damage and begin planning repairs.
Governor Bob Ferguson posted on X: “I’ll be meeting with my team today on the damage to an overpass on I-90. This is going to be a significant challenge for drivers in the region. We’re going to put together a plan immediately. More to come.”
Who’s gonna pay?
WSP is investigating the crash, and the state plans to pursue repair costs with the trucking company. “Our bridge inspectors are on site examining the bridge,” Ferguson said. “We anticipate sharing with the public how long Westbound I-90 will be closed, and our next steps, no later than Monday. If that changes, we will alert the public right away.”
RVers traveling through Washington state should consider alternate routes and allow extra time, as Washington I-90 traffic delays are likely while crews coordinate next steps.
Sources include KOMO News
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RVT1232b
Guess he should have purchased a trucker’s atlas or an RV GPS, maybe measured the height of his load? We know he doesn’t read RVTravel.
Holy moly.
😎✌️
WOW! 4th time this year!! What are these “professional” drivers thinking??
What does that sign mean I just passed. Boom.
I travel I-90 quite a bit and can’t remember seeing a lead car in a while. Did the state recently change the requirements for oversized loads?
Also, if the road has been repaved and the signs not updated and replaced then it is WASHDOT’s fault. It has happened in the past.
The truck company should be required to foot the bill for repairs
More info about the bridge strike. The trucker was issued and oversized load permit that specified this overpass had to be bypassed by using the off/on ramp. The pilot car took the exit, radioed the truck driver to remind him. The driver missed the exit and hit the overpass. (WSP and local news reports). There is no estimate on the cost or time-frame for repairs.