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.
