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White River Bridge repairs underway as Governor Ferguson promises a permanent fix
Governor Ferguson and local leaders toured the damaged White River Bridge, which is undergoing temporary repairs after a recent collision. The governor has issued an emergency declaration to secure federal funding for a more permanent fix, which is estimated to cost over $2 million.
ENUMCLAW, Wash. - The White River Bridge connecting Enumclaw and Buckley remains closed three weeks after it was struck by a semi-truck, causing significant damage.
On Monday, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and local leaders toured the bridge and observed the work underway to repair the critical infrastructure.
The bridge, which typically carries more than 22,000 vehicles daily, was built in 1949 and was last inspected in April, when it was deemed to be in fair condition.
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Gov. Ferguson declares emergency over White River Bridge closure
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson on Wednesday declared an emergency over the closure of White River Bridge, which was severely damaged after a semi-truck crash last week.
What they're saying:
Crews are making progress on temporary steel braces to stabilize the structure. Ferguson has called for crews to work seven days a week on the repairs and made an emergency declaration last month to secure federal funding.
"In getting that contract signed is that the work is going to seven days a week," Gov. Ferguson said in front of the bridge Monday. "Things are always weather-dependent of course, and getting the materials that we need, so the usual caveats apply for a project like this. But the folks who'll be doing the work understand this is a seven-day-a-week mission until we get this done."
The governor also noted the closure has had a lasting impact on the community, with many losing their jobs and stores losing business.
What's next:
A temporary repair, which would allow for one-way alternating traffic, is expected to be in place next week. A permanent fix, estimated to take six to eight weeks, will be required before two-way traffic can resume.
The bridge is projected to fully reopen to all traffic between late October and mid-November.
The current detour uses SR 164, 18, 167 and 410, adding about an hour of travel time during non-peak hours.
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WA Gov. Ferguson to tour White River Bridge
The White River Bridge connecting Enumclaw and Buckley has now been closed for three weeks.
The Source: Information in this story came from the Washington State Department of Transportation, the office of Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle.
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