UPDATE: October 28 at 2:50 p.m.
CLE ELUM – Governor Bob Ferguson has updated drivers regarding the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) plans to replace the damaged Bullfrog Road overpass on westbound Interstate 90 near Cle Elum.
Westbound I-90 reopened early on Friday after being shut down due to an over-height load damaging the overpass on Tuesday, Oct. 21. WSDOT contractors worked tirelessly for 22 hours to remove the damaged section.
The westbound lanes will stay open until new construction begins, requiring limited closures, primarily at night. A detailed timeline for these closures will be available in December.
“Thank you to the WSDOT crews and contractors who moved quickly to reopen westbound I-90,” Governor Ferguson said in a release. “Our work to repair the damage is just beginning. The loss of this overpass severely impacts the Cle Elum, Roslyn and the Suncadia area. We will work as quickly as possible to replace this vital connection for the community. We’ve seen too many bridge strikes — and their impacts on local communities — in the last few months. They are preventable, and we are working on strategies to reduce them.”
Approximately 17,000 vehicles use this section of I-90 daily, with 1,500 crossing the overpass. This marks the fourth bridge closure since August due to oversized vehicle strikes.
WSDOT engineers are working on a repair design focused on rapid construction. Governor Ferguson’s emergency proclamation allows the state to seek federal reimbursement, which remains unaffected by the federal shutdown.
Once construction starts, full closures of westbound I-90 will occur, with traffic rerouted via on- and off-ramps. WSDOT plans overnight closures for girder installation and will notify travelers in advance.
The state intends to seek reimbursement for repair costs from those responsible, the governor added in the release. The Washington State Patrol is investigating the incident.
UPDATE: October 25, 2025 11:03 a.m.
Westbound I-90 near Cle Elum is back open after crews finished removing the damaged Bullfrog Overpass, said Washington State Department of Transportation.
Crews worked overnight nonstop, which led to the road opening earlier than originally expected.
Designers are still working on designing a new Westbound overpass, said the department. It plans to release the next steps on Monday.
Eastbound I-90 travelers headed to the Suncadia/Roslyn area are directed to use Exit 85 to State Route 903.
Westbound _90 travelers that need access to south Bullfrog Road and Leisure Lane are directed to use Exit 78 and go east on I-90 to Exit 80.
The Bullfrog Road overpass is closed during the repairs.
UPDATE: October 23 at 9:15 p.m.
According to the Washington State Patrol, the truck driver had a valid permit instructing them to avoid the overpass by taking Exit 80, but they violated this permit by crossing it. It is unclear what the truck was transporting.
Meantime, a letter from Reagan Dunn, Vice Chair of the King County Council, highlighted concerns about oversized vehicle strikes on Washington’s infrastructure.
Dunn requested a comprehensive review by WSDOT to prevent future incidents. He emphasized the importance of strengthening infrastructure protections and driver accountability.
Dunn also expressed support for WSDOT’s ongoing efforts to improve advance-warning signage and detection systems for vulnerable structures.
He suggested considering frameworks to increase driver accountability and exploring ways to enhance penalties for over-height violations.
UPDATE: October 23, 2025 2:40 p.m.
The damaged Bullfrog overpass on I-90 near Cle Elum will be replaced, said the Washington State Department of Transportation.
The department hired Scarsella Bros. Inc. to remove the overpass after inspecting the damage and deciding that the damaged portion would have to be demolished.
Washington state governor Bob Ferguson declared an emergency in Kittitas County on October 23 as a result of the damage, which allowed the county to seek federal funds and expedite emergency contracting.
Washington State Patrol said demolition will begin at night on October 23.
During the demolition and cleanup, an eastbound lane of I-90 will be closed starting at 6 p.m. until October 25 at 8 p.m.
UPDATE: October 23, 2025 1:48 p.m.
Eastbound I-90 will be reduced to one lane starting at 6 p.m. on October 23 so workers can work on reconstruction of the Exit 80 overpass.
Westbound I-90 at exit 80 will still be closed, with a detour available, according to Kittitas County Fire District 7.
Drivers in the area should expect delays.
Washington State Patrol also said that the man who drove a the oversized load underneath the bridge was 64 years old and was from Wingham, Ontario in Canada. He was not under the influence of alcohol, they ruled.
CLE ELUM, Wash. – I-90 westbound is closed at exit 80 after an oversized load hit the Bullfrog Overpass on Tuesday night, according to the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
The crash is under investigation by Commercial Vehicle Troopers with Washington State Patrol.
WSDOT said a detour has been established. Drivers are being directed to take the exit 80 off-ramp and rejoin I-90 on the on-ramp.
For local travelers who need access to Bullfrog Road, WSDOT said a detour has been established as well.
“Our crews are still assessing the damage and planning the next steps. We’ll post updates as they come in,” WSDOT said.
Article originally posted October 22, 2025 8:06 a.m.
