Drivers of heavy vehicles who use the Danekas Road bridge to cross over Interstate 90 east of Ritzville will need to find an alternate route. Washington State Department of Transportation engineers reduced the bridge to one lane following damage from a bridge strike on July 10. Vehicle weight restrictions also are in place, with no over-legal-axle-weight loads allowed — including farm machinery.
An automated signal will direct alternating directions of traffic across the bridge through a single lane, which could be in place for several months until repairs are completed. The weight restrictions that prohibit vehicles over 105,500 lbs., with single axles not to exceed 20,000 lbs. and tandem axles not to exceed 34,000 lbs., also will remain in place until repairs can be made.
A semi-truck transporting an excavator struck the bridge while traveling under it on eastbound I-90, damaging bridge girders and knocking loose concrete. The interstate remains open, but some lane restrictions will be needed once repairs begin. WSDOT will use emergency contracts to complete the repairs, though details are not yet finalized.
By law, vehicle operators are responsible for knowing their vehicle height as well as bridge heights along their route. WSDOT's online Bridge Vertical Clearance Trip Planner tool provides a way to map a route for over height vehicles. The Washington State Patrol contacted the driver involved and WSDOT will seek to recover damages for the repair work.
Details about repair work, including cost estimates and any lane restrictions needed on I-90 will be announced as they are available.
