WSDOT to begin permanent repairs to SR 410 White River Bridge in September

BUCKLEY – Maintenance crews with the Washington State Department of Transportation are finishing fabrication of temporary steel braces and began installing them today, Friday, Sept. 5, to stabilize the State Route 410 White River Bridge between Buckley and Enumclaw. Contract work to complete the permanent repairs is expected to begin the week of Sept. 15. The repair is expected to take six to eight weeks, with the bridge opening to traffic between Oct. 31 and Nov. 14.

The White River Bridge was struck on Aug. 18, sustaining significant damage to several components and resulting in the immediate closure of the bridge. On Aug. 27, Governor Bob Ferguson issued an emergency proclamation (PDF 130KB) in response to the closure of the bridge. The proclamation allows the state to seek federal funds to reimburse the cost of the repairs.

Permanent repairs and traffic impacts

WSDOT crews will be at work on the bridge installing a temporary repair until approximately the week of Sept. 15. WSDOT will enter into an emergency contract to complete the permanent repair. That work can begin after the temporary repair is in place. Many factors can impact how long it takes to complete these repairs, including weather and the time needed to obtain materials. The goal is to complete the work as quickly as possible. Contractor crews will work seven days a week replacing damaged steel components, heat-straightening bent members and removing and repainting affected areas to return the bridge to its original pre-strike condition.

The bridge will remain fully closed to all traffic throughout the permanent repair process. While an interim reopening of the bridge to a single lane of traffic after the temporary brace installation was planned, the emergency contract will be executed to begin permanent repairs as quickly as possible. This approach reduces long-term disruption experienced by local communities and restores full two-lane traffic sooner.

Until repairs are complete, travelers should continue to use the signed detour via SR 164, SR 18, and SR 167, which can add 45 to 60 minutes to trips during peak hours.

WSDOT is coordinating closely with the cities of Enumclaw and Buckley, King and Pierce counties, emergency responders, school districts and transit to manage detours and keep communities informed. WSDOT will continue to provide updates on estimated completion dates as the work progresses.

Bridge history

Built in 1949, the steel truss bridge carries more than 22,000 vehicles a day. While the bridge was rated in “fair” condition during its April 2025 inspection, the Aug. 18 collision underscores the vulnerability of Washington’s aging infrastructure and the importance of sustained preservation investment across the state.

WSDOT will continue to provide updates. In addition to the real-time travel map, information is available from the WSDOT mobile app and by signing up for WSDOT's email updates.