Emergency contract to remove failing bridge will require lengthy detours
SPOKANE – Travelers who use Interstate 90 just east of downtown Spokane will need to plan additional time for lengthy detours around a 10-hour closure of I-90.
On Saturday, Feb. 11 contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will close I-90 in both directions between milepost 281 at the Division Street interchange and milepost 284 at the Freya/Thor Street interchange. The closure is necessary to safely remove the center span of the Magnolia Street pedestrian bridge that crosses over I-90.
Closure information
- 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 – Lanes and on-ramps begin closing with all lanes and on-ramps closed by 10 p.m.
- 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 12 – Lanes and on-ramps reopen.
Westbound I-90 on-ramp closures
- Freya Street
- Altamont Street
Eastbound I-90 on-ramp closures
- Maple/Walnut streets
- Monroe Street
- Division/Browne streets
- Hamilton Street
Detour information
During the full closure, travelers heading westbound will be routed off I-90 at the Freya/Thor Street interchange while eastbound I-90 travelers will exit to South Division Street and follow a signed detour on Sprague Avenue.
Local city of Spokane road closures
Several city of Spokane roads will close during the removal of the bridge span including East 2nd Avenue between South Napa and South Pittsburg streets and East 3rd Avenue between South Pittsburg and South Altamont streets.
History/background
The emergency contract and removal of the Magnolia Street pedestrian bridge comes after an inspection of the structure uncovered hinges on the bridge that were significantly deteriorated and beginning to fail. The structure has been closed to the public since Wednesday, Feb. 1.