The Washington state bridge that collapsed last week will get a quick fix in the form of temporary spans across the most damaged section, Gov. Jay Inslee said.
The hope is the temporary spans could open the heavily traveled commuter route to both northbound and southbound drivers within three weeks, The Associated Press reported.
Crews will simultaneously work to install permanent spans, with expectations that job will wrap before the end of the year, transportation officials said in the AP report.
“We’re going to get this project done as fast as humanly possible,” Mr. Inslee said.
The bridge collapsed and sent cars tumbling into the water after a truck carrying an oversized load struck one of the metal rails, various media reported. The federal government will pay for the entire cost of the temporary bridge and 90 percent of the cost of the new one, AP reported.
An estimated 71,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day, AP reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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