Project overview
On Tuesday, July 6, 2021, an over height load was traveling southbound on I-5 when it struck and damaged the SR 506/Toledo-Vader Road overpass that spans over the interstate. Following the bridge strike, WSDOT bridge inspectors determined that the damage was extensive and they closed the overpass for the safety of the traveling public. That closure has remained in effect, pending approved funding to replace the damaged bridge span.
In summer 2022, SB Structures, LLC., will begin work to replace the damaged southbound span of the SR 506/Toledo-Vader Road overpass, restoring this vital connection between the east and west side of the overpass.
What to expect
Contractor crews will fully close I-5 during demolition of the damaged southbound span of SR 506 and during bridge girder setting. Travelers along both directions of I-5 may also encounter intermittent single lane closures for overhead work on the SR 506/Toledo-Vader Road overpass.
I-5 closure for the demolition and bridge girder setting for the southbound span of SR 506
When contractor crews fully close one or both directions of I-5 at Exit 60, they will detour nighttime travelers to use the on- and off-ramps at the SR 506/Toledo-Vader Road overpass, to bypass the interstate closure and reduce traffic backups.
Additional overnight closures are needed as work continues to replace the damaged overpass. WSDOT will announce the dates of the overnight closures planned once they are confirmed. Doing this work at night when traffic volumes are lower, reduces travel delays.
On Tuesday, July 6, 2021, an truck carrying an over height load was traveling southbound on I-5 when it struck and damaged the SR 506/Toledo-Vader Road overpass that spans over I-5 at Exit 60. Since that time, for the safety of the traveling public, the overpass has remained fully closed.
Built in 1957 the SR 506/Toledo-Vader Road overpass spans across northbound and southbound I-5 in Lewis County, and serves as a vital connection for residents who live and/or work in the nearby surrounding communities.
On Tuesday, July 6, 2021, an over height load was traveling southbound on I-5 when it struck and damaged the SR 506/Toledo-Vader Road overpass that spans over the interstate at Exit 60. Following the bridge strike, WSDOT bridge inspectors determined that the damage sustained to the overpass would require replacement of southbound span, and they closed the overpass for the safety of the traveling public. That closure has remained in effect, pending approved funding to replace the damaged bridge span.
As a result of the damages and full closure of the SR 506 overpass, on Friday, July 16, 2021, Jay Inslee, Governor of the State of Washington, issued an Emergency Proclamation for the damaged overpass, proclaiming a State of Emergency exists in Lewis County - stating that the overpass damage and its effects continue to impact the life and health of our citizens, as well as the property and transportation infrastructure of Washington State, all of which affect life, health, property, and the public peace, and constitute a public emergency demanding immediate action.
In 2022, funding was approved to replace the damaged bridge span. Replacing the damaged bridge span restores this important connection to the communities and businesses that are located near the interstate.
**UPDATE** Sept. 23, 2022
On Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, an over height load was traveling northbound on I-5 when it struck and damaged the SR 506/Toledo-Vader Road overpass that spans over the interstate at Exit 60. Following the bridge strike, WSDOT bridge inspectors assessed the damage sustained to the overpass, and are working to determine next steps. For the safety of the traveling public, the overpass will remain closed.
