Project Complete
- WSDOT and the contractor, KLM Construction, Inc., completed this project on Sept. 15, 2009.
Why is WSDOT
fixing the Naches River Bridge?
On August 8, 2006, a crane on a trailer hit the Naches River Bridge on westbound I-82. The collision tore the overhead steel beams at the north end of the bridge and bent a portion of the vertical bridge framework.
As a temporary fix, WSDOT replaced the damaged north portal support beam with a temporary steel beam.
The End Result
WSDOT and the contractor, KLM Construction, Inc., will remove the temporary steel beam and straighten the vertical framework. The contractor will slightly lift the bridge off its foundation by jacking-up the bridge to relieve tension on the vertical framework. Over a ten day period, crews will carefully heat the steel in specific patterns, and then apply pressure in strategic areas as it cools. This will allow the steel to return to its previous, vertical position. Once the framework is vertical, crews will manufacture the replacement beams for the north portal.
All westbound I-82 traffic will be shifted off I-82, onto the center roadway, and back, to get around the work zone, while the heat straightening and steel repairs are underway.
Project Benefits
- Safety. By removing the temporary steel beam and straightening the vertical framework, the bridge will be stronger and safer for drivers.
What is the project timeline?
Construction will begin early August and the traffic shift is scheduled to begin August 11 at 9 p.m.
Westbound I-82 and the repaired bridge is scheduled to be open to traffic before Labor Day.
The traffic shift is scheduled to take 23 consecutive days including nights and weekends.
Directions for Drivers
Traveling from Selah to I-82 eastbound or westbound
No impacts. The on-ramp to eastbound I-82 from Selah will be open. Drivers headed west from Selah on I-82 can cross over the interstate on the Rest Haven Bridge to reach the westbound on-ramp.
Traveling from Selah to North 1st Street in Yakima
Drivers traveling from Selah heading to North 1st Street in Yakima can only use I-82. SR 823 (the Selah bypass) will not be open to traffic for drivers going southbound into Yakima.
Traveling northbound on North 1st Street from Yakima to Selah or Ellensburg
The on-ramp to westbound I-82 from North 1st Street will be closed. Drivers coming out of Yakima will be routed onto SR 823 for a short distance, then will either continue into Selah or can shift onto westbound I-82.
Traveling on I-82 westbound to Selah or Ellensburg
Drivers on westbound I-82 are advised to follow the signs that will direct traffic to SR 823 westbound toward Selah. Drivers will be routed onto SR 823 for a short distance, then can either continue into Selah or shift back onto I-82.
Rest Haven Road Access
The westbound I-82 off-ramp to Rest Haven Road will be closed. Drivers will be able to take SR 823 to Golf Course Road, loop under SR 823, and use the eastbound I-82 on-ramp to reach the Rest Haven Bridge, and then go eastbound.
Financial Information
This project is funded through the following sources:
- Existing Funds - $1.2 million
WSDOT is seeking to recover damages from the party responsible for the collision.
How can I get more information?
Contact:
Paul Gonseth, Project Engineer
WSDOT South Central Project Office
P.O. Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909
Phone: (509) 577-1810
E-mail: GonsetP@wsdot.wa.gov
Mike Westbay, Communications Manager
WSDOT South Central Communications Office
P.O. Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909
Phone: (509) 577-1617
Cell Phone: (509) 728-4712
E-mail: WestbaM@wsdot.wa.gov
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