Inslee declares state of emergency for damaged overpass

OLYMPIA — Governor Jay Inslee signed a state of emergency proclamation for Adams County to aid the state Department of Transportation in making repairs to a heavily damaged overpass near Ritzville.

Inslee signed the emergency proclamation to account for $740,000 in repairs needed as a result of a vehicle carrying an oversized load and striking the overpass, located 10 miles east of Ritzville, on July 10. The eastbound side of the bridge will have to be replaced and traffic on the overpass is currently limited to one alternating lane.

“Weight restrictions placed on the bridge have required a detour for farming vehicles traveling to the area’s grain elevator," Mike Gribner, DOT Eastern Region administrator, said. "Delaying the repairs would put even more burden on this important farming community."

The proclamation is intended to aid the DOT in making emergency repairs to the overpass, as well as requesting federal funds to cover the repair costs.

— Staff report