I-90 Front Street overpass repairs: Front Street to fully close again Thursday night

Published 2:41 pm Monday, May 2, 2016

Update: The Washington State Department of Transportation will close Front Street in Issaquah at the Interstate-90 overpass Thursday evening, May 12, to install the new girder, according to the state. Repairs have taken longer than expected.

Original story posted May 2:

That “eyesore” of a hole in the Interstate-90 Front Street overpass in Issaquah is scheduled for repairs starting Monday, Washington State Department of Transportation spokesperson Lisa Van Cise said.

More than a year ago, a hydraulically lifted bed on a Recology Cleanscapes truck punched the hole in the overpass’s southern side, sending the driver to the hospital and prompting a WSDOT inspection. Officials ruled the bridge safe for passage, but asked trucks on the interstate to keep left at the overpass.

“We want to get it fixed before it deteriorates,” Van Cise said.

The estimated $1.2 million in repairs began Monday with traffic controlling measures on the interstate, shifting eastbound traffic slightly to the left.

Lane closures began on I-90 eastbound Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m., when WSDOT reduced traffic to two lanes.

Crews used that time to set up support under the damaged 114-foot girder.

Front Street closures in both directions began Wednesday, the same day crews installed the new girder, Van Cise said.

Front Street will close completely again May 10 and May 11 from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

All I-90 ramps will remain open.

The overpass, at its lowest point, is about 15 feet and 4 inches tall. Legally, an overpass must be 14 feet tall, Van Cise said.

Despite its height, it was recently struck again literally feet away from the existing hole.

While the backhoe from that incident didn’t cause the same kind of damage, Van Cise says it’s a sign that people need to be more aware of their cargo’s height.

“Drivers need to pay attention to how tall their loads are,” she said.

The project will wrap up in early July, though the bulk of the work that might impact Issaquah drivers occurred this week and next week with the Front Street closures.

Once the project is complete, WSDOT will seek reimbursement from the Recology Cleanscapes’ insurer.

For more information or to submit a comment, call Van Cise at 206-440-4702.