CLE ELUM, WA — Westbound Interstate 90 has reopened near Cle Elum following the emergency removal of a damaged Bullfrog Road overpass, but state officials warn the longer repair process will bring periodic closures in the coming months.

An over-height load struck the overpass the night of Oct. 21, prompting the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to close westbound lanes. Contractor crews worked around the clock under an emergency order, completing the 22-hour removal job ahead of schedule and reopening the highway Friday.

“The loss of this overpass severely impacts the Cle Elum, Roslyn and Suncadia area,” Governor Bob Ferguson said in a statement. “We will work as quickly as possible to replace this vital connection for the community.” He added that the state has faced “too many bridge strikes” in recent months and will continue pursuing strategies to prevent them.

Approximately 17,000 vehicles use this stretch of I-90 daily, and about 1,500 vehicles typically cross the Bullfrog Road overpass. This marks the fourth bridge or overpass closed statewide since August due to oversized vehicle impacts.

Future Construction and Travel Impacts

WSDOT engineers are finalizing a replacement design and expect to release a schedule update in December. Full westbound closures — likely overnight — will be needed during girder installation and other construction phases. Daytime closures may occur but only if necessary, the state said.

Fall and winter weather may complicate timelines, but officials say work will continue to move forward.

Washington State Patrol stopped the truck involved in the bridge strike, and the state plans to seek reimbursement for repair costs from the operator or other responsible parties.

Travelers are advised to watch for future closure notices and detour instructions once reconstruction begins.