Emergency declared in Benton County. Damaged I-82 overpass needs $1.1 million repair

An emergency was declared Monday in Benton County to free up at least $1.1 million in state money needed to repair an Interstate 82 overpass.

On Dec. 16 a semi truck with an oversize load hit the bottom of the overpass where Interstate 82 crosses Highway 397/Locust Grove Road south of Kennewick.

Gov. Jay Inslee issued the emergency proclamation, which directs state agencies and department to do everything reasonably possible to resolve the issue.

“Our roads and highways are necessary to keep our economy moving,” Inslee said. “The Washington state Department of Transportation has done everything possible to keep traffic flowing, but we need permanent repairs.”

The emergency declaration will help allow work on a damaged girder of the overpass on the southbound side of Interstate 82 to start in January and continue through early spring.

To fix the bridge, crews will need space to remove and replace the girder. They plan to set up a temporary barrier to move traffic away from the damaged area of the overpass at the shoulder of the roadway.

The speed limit through the area also will be reduced.

In addition to emergency funding, the Washington state Department of Transportation will be seeking money from the trucker’s insurance company to pay for repairs.

This story was originally published December 30, 2019 at 5:17 PM.