WSDOT plans repairs for SR 167 bridge, will open 2 lanes temporarily

More than a week after a dump truck driver hit the State Route 167 (SR 167) bridge, causing significant damage and miles of backups, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced a repair plan.

By October 17, WSDOT will temporarily reopen the outside right lane and inside left lane to traffic, the agency stated in a news release Friday.

Bridge inspectors have assessed the damage and are currently working on a roadmap for repairs.

“Every bridge strike is different, and each requires a tailored approach,” WSDOT stated. “Before repairs can begin, crews must develop a repair strategy, contract with specialized workers, order materials, mobilize equipment, and put a safe traffic control plan in place.”

WSDOT’s next steps for SR 167 bridge

Along with two lanes reopening, speeds will be reduced to 45 mph, a barrier will be installed to prevent traffic from entering the middle lane and merging into the inside and outside lanes, and all truck traffic will be restricted to the right lane.

To make the traffic adjustments, crews will have to close SR 167 north overnight. Those plans will be shared when they are available, WSDOT noted.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and consider alternate routes during those times.

“We recognize the importance of SR 167 to many communities. Our top priority is restoring the full capacity of this bridge as quickly as possible,” Brian Nielsen, WSDOT’s Northwest Region Administrator, said via the news release. “This will be a significant effort that requires careful planning, but crews will be working around the clock to get the job done.”

The agency is bringing a contractor on board next month to start repairs. Once construction starts, the bridge will again be reduced to one lane. Crews will also intermittently close all northbound lanes on SR 167 to remove and replace the damaged girder. Third Avenue Southwest will also be closed intermittently.

Earlier this week, the 70-year-old truck driver who hit the bridge was cited for negligent driving in the second degree and issued a $564 ticket.

WSDOT has not estimated how much it will cost to fix the bridge.

Contributing: Chris Sullivan, KIRO Newsradio

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