Inslee declares emergency for I-5 overpass damage in Chehalis

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has proclaimed a state of emergency related to an estimated $1 million in damage to an Interstate 5 overpass in Chehalis.

Inslee made the declaration Friday, saying an over-sized load caused the damage on Oct. 5.

He says it’s imperative that the critical stretch of interstate in Lewis County is quickly repaired. He applauded the state Department of Transportation which inspected the bridge and revised travel to keep traffic away from the damaged girders.

Inslee says the damage continues to limit access and requires the emergency hiring of a contractor to make the repairs.

The proclamation directs state agencies and departments to use resources and do everything reasonably possible to assist affected communities responding to and recovering from an incident.