Gov. Ferguson warns I-90 overpass replacement ‘likely to take several months’

During an update Tuesday, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson revealed the process to replace parts of the westbound I-90 Bullfrog overpass near Cle Elum will “likely take several months” to fix, although westbound I-90 reopened ahead of schedule on Friday.

Ferguson provided this update regarding the I-90 Bullfrog overpass after it was damaged by an oversized load on Oct. 21.

Crews hired by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) worked nonstop over a 22-hour period to remove damaged portions of the overpass in response to an emergency proclamation signed by Ferguson on Thursday.

“Thank you to the WSDOT crews and contractors who moved quickly to reopen westbound I-90,” Ferguson said. “Our work to repair the damage is just beginning.”

Westbound lanes will remain open until WSDOT begins to replace the Bullfrog overpass, which requires the complete closure of westbound I-90 on a limited basis.

The communications manager for WSDOT, Meagan Lott, previously told KIRO Newsradio how impactful the closures will be for thousands of travelers who use this route each day.

“I-90 is one of the busiest routes in the state for east-to-west transportation,” Lott said. “We see about 17,000 drivers going westbound, and about 1,500 vehicles traveling over the overpass every day. It is going to have an impact on drivers, specifically if you’re trying to get somewhere in a timely manner.”

Most of the work is expected to take place at night, with limited daytime closures to occur only if necessary. A complete, updated timeline for the project is expected to be released in December.

“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,” Ferguson said. “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.”

Looking ahead to WB I-90 replacement efforts

WSDOT is currently designing plans to repair the damaged section of the Bullfrog overpass. Engineers will choose the solution that “allows for rapid construction of the new span.”

Ferguson previously issued an emergency proclamation for the Bullfrog Road overpass, allowing the state to seek federal funding to begin work more quickly.

Ferguson noted that to remain eligible for the requested funds, the state must work alongside the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which is operational throughout the federal government shutdown, and delays are not currently anticipated.

As winter weather can be challenging for road construction, WSDOT will analyze the weather conditions and other needs once the design process is finalized, with additional information expected to be released in December.

When construction is underway, drivers can expect a full closure of westbound I-90, with detours via the on- and off-ramps during that time. WSDOT crews will install girders during the overnight closures, and travelers will receive updates in advance.

The state is also seeking reimbursement for the damages and repair costs from the truck operator and all responsible parties.

Driver who hit Bullfrog Road overpass cited for violating permit

The semi-truck driver who hit the Bullfrog Road overpass was cited for permit violations.

Allan Bergsma, 64, from Ontario, Canada, was issued a permit to carry the oversized load but did not follow the guidelines.

As part of the conditions for the permit, Bergsma had to use certain exits. In this case, Bergsma was supposed to get off on Exit 80 and then re-enter I-90 to avoid the ramp, but he kept going, Jeremy Weber, Public Information Officer for the Washington State Patrol (WSP), explained to KIRO Newsradio.

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

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