Inslee declares state of emergency for damaged Danekas overpass

In an Aug. 2 news release, Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee issued a proclamation for Adams County to assist the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) make emergency repairs to the Danekas Road Bridge over Interstate 90 near Ritzville.

The proclamation also requests federal assistance to help pay the cost for the repair.

A semi-truck transporting an excavator struck the bridge while traveling under it on July 10.

The bridge sustained an estimated $740,000 in damages. The news release notes the entire eastbound span of the bridge must be replaced.

WSDOT reduced traffic on the bridge to one lane on July 12. Traffic will continue to be reduced to one lane until repairs begin.

Vehicle weight restrictions are also in effect with no over-legal-axel weight loads allowed.