The closure of a bridge connecting eastern King and Pierce counties is dealing a blow to businesses in the area and adding lots of time to commutes.

But the White River Bridge could reopen to alternating traffic by the end of next month.

A semitruck crash on Aug. 18 caused structural damage running the length of the bridge on State Route 410.

Gov. Bob Ferguson on Wednesday declared a state of emergency due to the damage, potentially opening up federal dollars to reimburse for repair costs.

“The White River Bridge is a critical lifeline to these communities, and we are doing all we can to get it reopened as quickly as possible,” Ferguson said in a statement.

The bridge, built in 1949, connects the cities of Enumclaw and Buckley. Detours around the closure can add 45 minutes of travel.

See Full Page