Plan in place to open one lane of travel over White River Bridge. Details here
One lane of the damaged White River Bridge in Pierce County might re-open in September.
The bridge was severely damaged after a semi-truck struck it Aug. 18. The bridge is located between Buckley and Enumclaw on state Route 410.
Plans are in place for a temporary fix that could allow one lane to re-open by the end of September, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
“WSDOT will fabricate and install five temporary braces on the bridge along the panels of the structure. These braces work similar to a splint or cast for a broken bone. The brace works alongside the damaged section, so the load doesn’t rest on the weakened component alone. WSDOT plans to install each brace as it is fabricated,” the department said on its website Wednesday.
The bridge cannot re-open safely to two lanes of traffic until more permanent repairs are made, WSDOT said. Bridge engineers are creating a long-term repair plan.
Detours are in place as the bridge is closed to traffic, pedestrians and bicycles.
“A signed detour directs travelers around the closure using SR 164, 18, 167 and 410. Travelers should allow extra time, as this detour can add 45 to 60 minutes of travel or more during peak travel times,” according to WSDOT.
The bridge closure has caused significant impacts to surrounding communities, WSDOT says. Gov. Bob Ferguson declared an emergency for the White River Bridge closure Wednesday.
Non-emergency vehicles are prohibited from the Foothills Trail Bridge. This includes motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts and dune buggies, according to a King County news release.
This story was originally published August 28, 2025 at 11:05 AM.
