Governor Bob Ferguson declared an emergency in King and Pierce counties on Wednesday following the closure of the White River Bridge on State Route 410, which sustained severe structural damage after being struck by a lorry on August 18.
The bridge between Buckley and Enumclaw remains closed to all vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists whilst Washington State Department of Transportation officials work to assess repair options. WSDOT estimates at least mid-September before one lane can reopen with alternating traffic in both directions.
The closure forces drivers onto lengthy detours using State Routes 164, 18, 167, and 410, adding up to 45 minutes to journeys. The disruption affects a vital transportation link that typically carries 23,000 vehicles daily between rural communities and urban centres.
Three WSDOT bridge inspection crews conducted detailed assessments over two days whilst engineers analysed the extent of damage. Inspections revealed severe structural compromises extending the full length of the 1949-built steel truss bridge, with both horizontal and vertical components damaged across all seven panels.
The department is fabricating replacement pieces and gathering materials for temporary repairs, though no timeline has been established for completion. Emergency services are currently using a nearby pedestrian path to respond to calls in affected areas.
Ferguson’s emergency proclamation enables Washington to seek federal reimbursement for bridge work costs, which may exceed $2 million. “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 stated.
The bridge had been rated in fair condition during its last inspection in April as part of WSDOT’s two-year inspection cycle. The incident highlights the vulnerability of ageing infrastructure, particularly bridges built more than seven decades ago that now carry traffic volumes far exceeding original design parameters.
Engineers continue analysing data to determine repair requirements and reopening timelines. The emergency declaration streamlines the process for accessing federal disaster funds, protecting state resources whilst ensuring necessary work proceeds without delay.
The closure significantly impacts residents of rural communities who rely on the bridge for access to employment centres, medical facilities, and essential services in the greater Seattle metropolitan area.
