In a swift operation that outpaced its projected schedule, the Bullfrog Road overpass above westbound Interstate 90 near Cle Elum has reopened to vehicles, following a span of emergency repairs that began after an over-height load inflicted significant structural harm back in late October 2025. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the repair work, steered by Garco Construction, Inc., wrapped up in a mere 86 days, slicing through the bureaucracy to deliver weeks before the end-of-January deadline that had been initially forecasted.
Gov. Bob Ferguson, who approved the emergency action, commended the efficiency of the team, "We understand when major roads and bridges close, the impacts to communities and businesses are significant," he expressed his gratitude, emphasizing the crews' rapid restoration of "Thank you to the WSDOT crews and contractors whose hard work restored this vital community connection weeks ahead of schedule." The quick turnaround was led by WSDOT's region administrator, Brian White, who lauded his contractor's swift response and precise execution: "Their ability to rebuild this bridge safely allowed us to restore access for the local community in a matter of weeks while protecting the safety of everyone working on and traveling through the area," as mentioned by the WSDOT website.
To expedite the repair process, the reconstruction incorporated precast concrete beams, a strategic selection that not only sped up the construction but also reduced the burden of extended closures. Alongside this, the crews installed new barriers and executed the essential structural tasks that enabled them to reopen the overpass promptly.
Although the overpass is currently open to traffic, it is scheduled for another temporary closure in the spring so the Washington State Department of Transportation can apply a thin overlay to the new bridge deck, weather permitting. During the work, the Bullfrog Road overpass will be closed and detours will be in place, while traffic on Interstate 90 will remain unaffected. The emergency repair project has an estimated cost of approximately $8 million.
