Hansen overpass to be replaced

MOSES LAKE — Hansen Overpass will be replaced this summer, with project completion planned for December 2026, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.  

The bridge closed Jan. 17 because of safety concerns caused by the deterioration of the bridge deck and pier caps. According to WSDoT, because of the level of deterioration, there is no temporary fix to reopen the road. Detours will remain in place until the new bridge is complete.  

The project design begins this month. In June, the old bridge is planned to be demolished. Construction is planned to begin in July. The new bridge is planned to be open to traffic in December. 

The City of Moses Lake released a statement of appreciation for the state’s assistance in moving forward with a solution to the overpass. 

“While this is a state-owned bridge, we know the closure has created real challenges for our community – impacting residents commuting to work, students who rely on school bus transportation and access to essential services,” reads the statement.  

The bridge was built in 1958 and connects the north and south sides of Interstate 90. It was subsequently refurbished in 1992. Repairs for deck deterioration were completed in 2023 after chloride contamination was discovered. More frequent inspections were scheduled afterwards. 

During Media Day at the state Capitol, Sen. Marko Lias, D-Edmonds, who chairs the Transportation Committee in the Washington Senate, said the issues associated with the bridge were caused by a variety of factors, including improper sealing of the bridge surface. He added that bridges throughout the I-90 corridor were being examined to ensure similar problems weren't present.