LONGVIEW – The State Route 433 Lewis and Clark Bridge, which connects Longview, Washington and Rainier, Oregon, has been re-opened following overnight emergency repairs. The bridge reopened to traffic at 6 a.m. Thursday, April 13.
Washington State Department of Transportation bridge crews worked through the night to repair and stabilize the damaged floor beam by installing 24 four-inch-long bolts and six steel plates to the damaged area, allowing them to fully reopen the bridge to all travelers.
In the afternoon of April 12, WSDOT maintenance crews, completing preliminary in preparation for the finger joint replacement project, identified a critical need for repair on a fractured floor beam. Crews worked overnight to complete the repairs and inspections.
Additional non-emergency bridge work remains scheduled for this evening, beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 13. Travelers will alternate intermittently through a single lane with flaggers and delays of up to 20 minutes are expected through 11 p.m.
WSDOT understands that bridge closures are disruptive. For the safety of the traveling public the emergency repairs needed to be made as quickly as possible. WSDOT appreciates the public's patience as crews worked to get the bridge reopened, as well as our agency partners who assisted with these efforts.