After Exit 80 overpass struck, Kittitas County discusses asking WSDOT to consider widening during repairs

Kittitas County commissioners discussed coordination with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and regional partners after an oversized load struck the Bullfrog overpass at Exit 80 on Interstate 90, county staff said.

Josh Frederickson, Public Works, reported that WSDOT removed damaged girders and reopened the roadway following the incident. Frederickson summarized options from a recent STIR I‑90 feasibility study that included widening the existing lanes or creating a reversible inside lane to provide two lanes in each direction during peak travel times. He asked whether the board wanted to ask WSDOT to consider widening the overpass while repairs are made to avoid paying for the work twice.

A commissioner said it would make sense to have the conversation with WSDOT and legislative transportation leaders to take advantage of the repair window rather than duplicating costs later. "Matter of pay now or pay later," Frederickson said during the discussion, arguing that addressing widening now could reduce long‑term costs and lessen impacts on upper county residents.

Frederickson warned that on‑site concrete work could be constrained by winter weather, although pre‑cast girders might be fabricated off‑site and shipped in. Commissioners discussed drafting a joint letter to WSDOT, state legislative transportation leaders and local mayors; staff volunteered to help prepare the materials. The board did not take a formal vote at the session; commissioners agreed to collaborate on outreach to partners.

Staff also noted operational impacts from the incident, including truck parking pressures near the exit and effects on WSDOT operations that dispatch snowplows from bases near the exit. The discussion focused on whether repairs present a timely opportunity to align emergency repairs with longer‑term corridor improvements.