WAPATO, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Transportation announced in a press release that westbound I-82 is tentatively planned to reopen by Fri., Feb. 23.
WSDOT says the eastbound lanes are expected to reopen by March 1.
An embankment failure was discovered along eastbound I-82 on Mon., Feb. 12 which closed the eastbound lanes. After an inspection by WSDOT, the cause was found to be the corrosion and collapse of a large irrigation culvert.
More damage occurred three days later which caused the westbound lanes to close as well.
WSDOT crews have since removed the damage culverts and built a temporary drainage system to remove residual ground water. Crews will now backfill the temporary drain then rebuild and repave the road.
Until Feb. 23 and March 1, drivers can use the following detour routes:
Eastbound traffic will detour at exit 37A onto US 97 then use McDonald Road to get to SR 22 and I-82.Westbound traffic will detour at exit 50 onto Buena Road then follow a detour through Yakima Valley Highway and Donald Wapato Road to get to I-82.
WSDOT says travelers should plan for delays while repairs are being made to I-82.
