CLE ELUM, Wash. — A damaged overpass along Interstate 90 will be demolished starting tonight, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The westbound lanes near Cle Elum are expected to re-open early next week.

On Oct. 21, a truck driver struck an oversized load struck an overpass near Cle Elum and severely damaged the underside of the bridge. Photos from the scene show metal splintering from the structure and debris covering the two westbound lanes of I-90.

Gov. Bob Ferguson issued an emergency proclamation on Thursday, allowing the state to obtain federal funding and enter an emergency contract to begin demolition and repairs quickly.

“Our first priority is getting westbound I-90 reopened,” Ferguson said.

The highway is Washington’s main route for traveling a

See Full Page