White River Bridge Reopens Early, Connecting Buckley and Enumclaw Again
The White River bridge connecting Buckley and Enumclaw has reopened, weeks ahead of schedule, following severe damage caused by an overheight truck on August 18. The bridge's closure led to a significant detour and prompted local businesses to seek aid.
The closure on August 18 forced drivers to take a lengthy detour, adding about an hour to their journeys. In response, the U.S. Small Business Administration issued Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million for affected businesses on September 13. Repairs began promptly, with an initial target to reopen by Halloween (October 31).
Gov. Bob Ferguson issued an emergency proclamation on August 27, allowing immediate repairs and bypassing the competitive bidding process. The state is now seeking reimbursement from the trucking company responsible and the federal government for the damages, estimated at $4.5 million. The actual costs will be determined after all receipts are in. Enumclaw Mayor Jan Molinaro hailed the construction workers as heroes for their swift and dedicated efforts in restoring the bridge.
The White River bridge reopened on October 21, following an inspection on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone for the community. The reopening restores a direct connection between Buckley and Enumclaw, saving commuters considerable time and inconvenience.
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