YAKIMA, Wash. – UPDATE Mar. 10 6:39 p.m.: According to Washington State Patrol Lieutenant Dustin Drout
Two military vehicles likely military semi trucks according to Drout. Both vehicles were driving in the right lane of eastbound I-82. The vehicle that caused the crash was behind vehicle number two. Vehicle one was driving too fast and attempted to merge into the lane to its left however, it hit vehicle number two on the rear left corner causing the crash. No other vehicles were involved.
The crash closed both eastbound lanes for six and a half hours.
The guardrail and about 20 feet of bridge concrete were damaged.
WSP Yakima County sheriff’s Office and Federal Firefighters of Yakima and Selah Fire Departments responded.
UPDATE Mar. 6 8:32 P.M.:
The left lane of I-82 East is still closed due to bridge damage, according to the WSDOT Real Time Travel Map.
ORIGINAL COVERAGE:
Eastbound Interstate 82 is currently closed at Exit 3 Thrall Road following a crash that is fully blocking the roadway at milepost 24 near Yakima.
Drivers are advised to use State Route 821, also known as Yakima River Canyon, as an alternative route between Ellensburg and Yakima.
Authorities are working to clear the scene and reopen the highway as soon as possible.
Travelers should plan for potential delays and consider alternate routes to avoid congestion.
