DOT sees progress on collapsed Skagit I-5 bridge

Published 3:02 pm Wednesday, May 29, 2013

MOUNT VERNON — The Washington Transportation Department reports progress at the collapsed Interstate 5 bridge on the Skagit River that has detoured traffic at Mount Vernon.

Spokesman Bart Treece says about three-fourths of the wreckage that fell into the water Thursday has been removed. The other quarter includes the bridge deck and pieces that have to be kept intact for the National Transportation Safety Board investigation.

Bridge piers will have to be inspected for damage before the department will know whether it can meet the governor’s challenge to install a temporary bridge by mid-June.

Treece says two of 10 truckloads of temporary bridge parts have arrived.

Meanwhile, the NTSB planned to interview the pilot car driver Wednesday to find out why a truck with an oversize load hit the span.