The I-5 bridge that collapsed late last month after an oversized load struck an overhead truss, sending three vehicles plummeting into the river below, has reopened with a temporary replacement span.
The Washington State Department of Transportation has announced that while the bridge is now reopened, oversize and overweight loads are still not being allowed over it. Those driving oversize or overweight vehicles must take the detours that are in place. Northbound traffic should take Exit 227 and follow signs east to State Route 538, then continue to follow detour signs back to I-5. Southbound traffic should take Exit 229 and follow signs east to George Hopper Rd, then continue to follow detour signs back to I-5.
The WSDOT has also said that the permanent fix for the bridge will begin work this week and is set to be completed sometime after Labor Day but before October 1st. When the new section is installed, the bridge will be closed down entirely again for until the process is complete.
The total cost of the bridge construction project is $6.87 million and awarded to a construction company based out of Spokane, Washington.
A section of the bridge initially collapsed back in May when the driver of an oversized load drove too far to the right, causing the top of his rig to collide with an overhead truss. That single collision was enough to send the whole section of bridge into the water below. Miraculously, no one was killed as local authorities and rescue crews were able to arrive on the scene soon enough to help everyone out of the water and treat all injuries.
If you want more specific information on the current detours, visit the WSDOT website here.
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what was the final outcome from the truck hitting the bridge what agency was to blame for routing him .
My question is- lets say I cause 6 million in damages, but my liability insurance is only $1 mil, do they come after me for the rest? As an O/O sole proprieter, that’s kinda scary!
They can come after anybody at that point you, your company, the broker, the shipper sometimes all of them get sued
That is why I hope you incorporated your business so you get paid under your INC not your name and your equipment as well have to be transferred to INC so your personal assets and you are protected
It is customary in situations like this to sue everybody and then drop people along the way. You may not have anything to do with it but will be sued anyways.
Hasn’t anyone ever questioned the design of this bridge? Where after hitting just one pillar ,a full section gives way and crashes into the water below.
The bottom of the truss was arched-shaped and the driver went too far to the right.