WSDOT Projects

View larger map


View video of bridge demolition:
YouTube, Windows Media, Real Player


View the video of the girder setting:
YouTube, Windows Media, Real Player

Project Facts

• On Oct. 31, a truck carrying an over-sized pipe collided with and severely damaged one of only two bridges serving the community of Easton from I-90.
• WSDOT and the emergency contractor removed the damaged span over the eastbound lanes and I-90 traffic was back to normal within 24 hours of the collision.
• WSDOT completed the repair within a matter of weeks.

Why is WSDOT repairing the Easton overpass?
A truck carrying an oversized pipe raked the underside of the I-90 Easton overpass around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. The collision sent chunks of concrete to the ground and compromised the integrity of the concrete girders that supported the bridge. WSDOT crews closed the roadway immediately and eastbound I-90 traffic was detoured around the damaged bridge. WSDOT bridge engineers determined the bridge was not safe to travel on or under. The decision was quickly made to demolish the damaged bridge span. The demolition was completed within 24 hours of the initial accident and the eastbound lanes of I-90 were opened to traffic.

The End Result
The overpass was repaired and the community of Easton gained full access to and from Interstate 90.

WSDOT used a "bulb tee" (pdf 634 kb) girder design to quickly restore the full function of the interchange. This design incorporates the bridge deck as an integral part of the girder. The driving surface is part of the girder.

Project Benefits
Access to westbound I-90, and the area north of the interstate, was restored to the Easton community. Drivers on the north side of the interstate are able to cross over the repaired bridge to enter Easton or access eastbound I-90.

Westbound drivers on I-90 are able to exit and cross to the south to enter Easton. Eastbound I-90 drivers can exit and cross over the repaired bridge to access the area north of the interstate.

What is the project timeline?
Nov 12 - Began girder construction in Tacoma
Nov 14-17 - Lane restriction due to prep work
Nov 15 - Community open house, 6:30 p.m.
             Easton Community School Multi-purpose room
Nov 27 - Began placing new girders on bridge
Dec 6 - Began pouring on-site girder bracing
Dec 11 - Began pouring concrete sidewalk
Dec 13-14 - Began installing rail from old bridge
Dec 15 - Open to traffic
 
WSDOT and their contractor, Max J. Kuney repaired the bridge and was open to traffic within 7 weeks of the initial collision.

Public Involvement
WSDOT held an open house in Easton to inform the public and share information on how this project will move forward. Residents had the opportunity to ask questions and share their input. Attendees were excited to hear this project is moving forward so quickly.

Environmental Protection
Since WSDOT replaced a span of an existing bridge, the work had minimal impacts to the environment.
Please visit the WSDOT Environmental Services Web site for more information.

Increasing safety is one of our priorities

Will this project impact tribal resources?
This work was performed entirely within existing highway right-of-way and will not impact tribal resources. 

Financial Information
Because of the importance of restoring the functionality of this interchange to the community, we are using emergency contracting procedures. WSDOT will seek compensation from the insurance agency representing the trucking company held liable for the collision.

Total Funding Available:  Approximately $525,000

How can I get more information?
Contact:
Project Engineer, Will Smith
WSDOT South Central Region Project Office
PO Box 12560
Yakima, WA 98909
(509) 577-1840
E-mail: SmithW@wsdot.wa.gov

back to top