Commuters who frequent Interstate 90 near Cle Elum will need to brace for some upcoming disruptions. A project to replace the damaged Bullfrog Road overpass is slated to commence before November bids its final goodbye, with the Washington State Department of Transportation declaring the completion of the replacement design ready for action. According to a Washington State Department of Transportation report, the bridge sustained severe damage in late October following an incident with an over-height load.
The state has moved quickly to address the issue, drawing under an emergency proclamation set forth by Gov. Bob Ferguson. An estimated $8 million is being poured into the emergency repairs, and Washington State Department of Transportation aims to have the overpass functional by January 2026, insuring, travelers can once again use the route without detour. Brian White, Washington State Department of Transportation region administrator emphasized the importance of safety, stating "Our crews are working as quickly as possible to reopen the bridge while keeping both workers and travelers safe." He also extended gratitude for the public's patience.
The work on the span over westbound I-90 is going to involve the use of pre-cast girders to cut down on construction and closure duration. Drivers can anticipate temporary full closures of to expedite progress, though Washington State Department of Transportation will inform about the specific dates and times as the schedule gets ironed out. These include not just the momentary pauses needed for girder placement, but also additional closures that could arise as the work marches on.
Current detour options set forth: eastbound I-90 traffic directed to Suncadia or Roslyn will need to peel off at Exit 85, westbound I-90 travelers with sights set to South Bullfrog Road or Leisure Lane have to diverge at Exit 78, circling back via eastbound I-90 to Exit 80. Residents in Suncadia and Roslyn must count on State Route 903 to find their way to alternate westbound I-90 points of entry. This obligatory rerouting is a temporary stitch in the fabric of Washington's transit system, with the promise of restored connectivity just on the winter horizon, as per the Washington State Department of Transportation.
