As a result of more than $1.1 million in bridge damage caused by an over-sized truck slamming into an I-82 overpass, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee declared a State of Emergency in Benton County.
“The overpass damage and its effects continue to impact the life and health of our citizens, as well as the property and transportation infrastructure of Washington state, all of which affect life, health, property, and the public peace, and constitute a public emergency demanding immediate action,” Inslee said in his proclamation.
The incident occurred on Dec. 16, 2019, but the damages will be felt for some time. Replacement of one of the overpass girders will be necessary, leading the Washington Department of Transportation to restrict traffic from traveling over the damaged girders and revise travel lanes.
“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. This proclamation will free up the resources necessary.”
The declaration directs the government to initiate the procedures enshrined in the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and utilize state resources to assist recovery from the incident. What shape that takes remains to be seen.