Local officials in Washington are calling for tougher rules after another bridge strike involving a semi truck happened this week.
The latest: On Tuesday, a truck hit the Bullfrog Road bridge over I-90 near Cle Elum, causing major damage. Officials say the driver did not follow his permit, and now the bridge must be torn down and rebuilt.
- Just a few months earlier, the White River Bridge was also severely damaged by a semi-truck crash.
- King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn is pushing for what he calls a "Stupid Motorist Law," targeting drivers who cause expensive damage to bridges and overpasses.
- Dunn wrote a letter to the state transportation department and governor asking them to take action.
The cost: Dunn said repairs for these crashes can run up to $10 million, not counting traffic jams, lost work for people stuck in closures, and business headaches from shutdowns.
What's being asked: Dunn wants new laws to make truckers pay steeper fines or face penalties if they hit bridges, especially if it happens more than once. He's also asking the state to review these crashes and look for ways to stop them.
"This isn't just another car accident," Dunn said. "It's a serious economic harm and a harm to taxpayers," according to KING 5.
Governor Bob Ferguson signed an emergency order Thursday to start tearing down the damaged Bullfrog Road bridge. No timeline for repairs has been given yet.