I-5 overpass damage severe, officials say
July 11, 2008 - 05:32 PM
by Staff Report
by Staff Report
The I-5 overpass at milepost 231 was struck Thursday by an excavator carried on a truck.
Repairs could cost more than a million dollars, according to the state Department of Transportation.
The overpass was damaged Thursday afternoon near milepost 231 when an excavator on a tractor-trailer failed to make the clearance. Three of the six support beams were badly damaged, and 22 steel cables were broken along with some of the concrete.
Work will begin Monday to temporarily fix the support beams and get both lanes of Chuckanut Drive open again. Until then, no vehicles weighing more than 10 tons are allowed on the overpass, and the westbound lane on the overpass is closed.
After the temporary repairs, weight restrictions will limit vehicles to 40 tons or less.
Permanent replacements will have to be made within the next year.
The DOT will attempt to recoup the costs from the responsible party.
During the temporary repairs, crews will close the right lane of I-5 from 8 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Work should be completed in less than a week.
Only eastbound traffic is allowed across the overpass. Westbound drivers will be detoured one mile north around the closure via Old Highway 99 and Cook Road. Detour signs are in place. Local drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes.
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