Oversized and overheight Load destroys overpass. Bridge cannot be repaired and has to be demolished. This was on I-90 in Washington State.
Meta Description: Discover how an oversized and overheight load collision demolished an I-90 bridge in Washington State, causing months of disruption. Learn the fallout, safety lessons, and prevention strategies.
Oversized Load Collision Destroys I-90 Overpass in Washington State: Bridge Demolished After Irreparable Damage
A catastrophic collision involving an oversize and overheight load led to the irreversible destruction of the Westbridge Road overpass on Interstate 90 in Washington State, forcing officials to demolish the bridge entirely. The March 2023 incident near Vantage became a stark lesson in the risks of transporting massive cargo—and the costly ripple effects of infrastructure damage.
The Incident: How a Routine Haul Went Terribly Wrong
A commercial truck carrying an oversized drilling rig struck the Westbridge Road overpass while traveling eastbound on I-90 near Vantage, Washington. Preliminary investigations by the Washington State Patrol (WSP) revealed the load exceeded permitted height limits, though the exact cause is still reviewed. The collision crumpled steel beams and cracked critical support structures, creating an immediate hazard.
Key details:
- Location: I-90 milepost 126, central Washington.
- Cargo: Industrial drilling equipment (height: ~16 feet, exceeding clearance).
- Result: Bridge deemed structurally unsound within hours of impact.
Immediate Fallout: Months of Disruption & Economic Losses
The damage was so severe that engineers from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) ruled the bridge irretrievable. Demolition began days later, triggering months of costly detours and delays:
- Closure Duration: Full demolition and cleanup spanned 4 months.
- Detour Routes: Commercial trucks rerouted via US-2, adding 60+ miles to journeys.
- Costs: Demolition and rebuild estimates exceeded $8 million (excluding lost commerce).
“The bridge couldn’t safely support its own weight after the strike,” said WSDOT’s Regional Administrator. “Demolition was our only option.”
Why Oversized Loads Demand Precision Planning
This disaster underscores the non-negotiable need for strict permitting, route planning, and clearance verification when moving oversized cargo. In Washington State:
- Permits: Oversized/overheight loads require pre-approved WSDOT permits.
- Escorts: Many loads mandate pilot vehicles to warn of low clearances.
- Technology: GPS-guided height sensors and route mapping apps reduce human error risks.
Lessons for Carriers & States
- Verify Clearances: Always cross-reference load specs against bridge heights.
- Real-Time Alerts: Use systems like WSDOT’s trucker GPS advisories.
- Infrastructure Protections: States are installing laser-activated warning systems near low bridges.
I-90’s Critical Role in Commerce
As the primary east-west corridor in Washington, I-90 handles 22,000+ vehicles daily, including critical freight. The demolition snarled supply chains for regional agriculture and manufacturing industries, amplifying calls for steeper penalties for permit violations.
Looking Ahead: Infrastructure Resilience
WSDOT has since intensified bridge inspections across the state and rolled out awareness campaigns for haulers. New overpass designs now incorporate protective beams to deflect low-level strikes.
For carriers, the message is clear: Measure twice, haul once.
Targeted Keywords: oversized load accident Washington, I-90 bridge demolition, overheight truck damage, bridge strike Washington State, oversized load regulations, WSDOT bridge collapse, truck overpass collision.
Optimization Tips: Include internal links to WSDOT permitting guides, state trucking regulations, and infrastructure safety initiatives in the live version. Update with real-time statistics for SEO freshness.
Stay informed with state transport alerts by subscribing to WSDOT’s email updates or following #I90Updates on Twitter/X.
